Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Chicago, IL: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in Chicago is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. You can also start warm-season crops indoors to transplant later after the last frost. Focus on hardy greens, root vegetables, and early herbs this month.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, peas, chard, onions (sets or seedlings)
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- radishes
- carrots
- peas
- chard
- onions (sets or seedlings)
- potatoes
- herbs (parsley, cilantro)
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cucumbers
- melons
- squash
- pumpkins
Avoid
- beans (wait until soil warms)
- corn (too early)
- warm-season herbs (basil, rosemary outdoors)
- tender flowers (impatiens, begonias)
- tomatoes outdoors (risk of frost)
- peppers outdoors
- eggplants outdoors
- cucumbers outdoors
- melons outdoors
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- monitor soil temperature for warm-season crops
- continue planting cool-season greens
- thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- start trellises for peas
- water containers regularly as temperatures rise
- watch for late frost warnings
- apply balanced fertilizer to established plants
FAQs
When is the last frost date for Chicago?
The average last frost date in Chicago is mid to late April, but it can vary yearly. Always check local forecasts before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
Can I plant tomatoes directly in April?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, typically late April to early May.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors overnight to shield young plants from unexpected cold snaps.
What soil temperature is needed for planting beans?
Beans prefer soil temperatures above 55°F (13°C), so wait until late April or early May when the soil warms sufficiently.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in April?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 2-3 days in April, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
Next steps
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