Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Chicago Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in Chicago is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on hardy crops that tolerate early spring chills and start warm-season seeds indoors to prepare for transplanting after the last frost. Avoid planting tender crops outdoors too early to prevent frost damage.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, peas, onions sets, potatoes
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- kale
- radishes
- carrots
- peas
- onions sets
- potatoes
- chard
- broccoli seedlings
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cucumbers
- melons
- pumpkins
- zucchini
Avoid
- beans
- corn
- squash
- cucumbers (outdoors)
- tomatoes (outdoors)
- peppers (outdoors)
- eggplants (outdoors)
- basil (outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings
- prepare soil with compost
- mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- monitor soil temperature for warm-season crops
- continue planting cool-season greens
- thin seedlings for better growth
- start direct sowing peas if not done
- watch for late frosts
- water consistently but avoid overwatering
- plan crop rotation for in-ground beds
FAQs
When is the last frost date in Chicago?
Typically, the last frost occurs around mid to late April, but it's safest to wait until early May for frost-sensitive plants.
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April?
No, tomatoes should be started indoors in April and transplanted outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently warm.
What vegetables grow best in raised beds in April?
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes thrive in raised beds during April.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors during cold nights to protect young plants.
Is it better to start seeds indoors or direct sow in April?
Cool-season crops can be direct sown, while warm-season crops should be started indoors to ensure a strong start before transplanting.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.