Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Chicago, IL: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April is a prime month to start planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in Chicago. You can sow hardy crops directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground, while starting warm-season plants indoors. Be mindful of late frost risks when planting tender seedlings outdoors.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Radishes, Carrots, Onions, Broccoli
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Zucchini
- Pumpkins
Avoid
- Corn (too early, wait until soil warms)
- Beans (wait for warmer soil)
- Squash (wait for warmer soil)
- Sweet potatoes
- Tropical plants
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Prepare soil with compost in raised beds
- Monitor nighttime temperatures for frost risk
- Plant herbs like cilantro and parsley outdoors
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
FAQs
When is it safe to transplant tomatoes outdoors in Chicago?
Typically after mid-May, once the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.
Can I plant peas directly in the ground in April?
Yes, peas are cold-tolerant and can be sown directly in soil as soon as it is workable.
How do I protect young seedlings from late frost?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors during cold nights.
Should I fertilize raised beds before planting?
Yes, incorporate compost or balanced fertilizer to improve soil fertility before planting.
Is it better to start cucumbers indoors or sow directly?
Starting cucumbers indoors in April helps get a head start, but wait to transplant until soil warms in late May.
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