Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Columbus, OH: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
April is an ideal month to plant cool-season crops outdoors in Columbus, OH. You can sow hardy vegetables directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground, while starting warm-season crops indoors for transplanting later. Focus on early spring greens, root vegetables, and preparing for summer planting.
Plant now (quick list)
spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, peas, kale, broccoli transplants, onions sets
Plant now
- spinach
- lettuce
- radishes
- carrots
- peas
- kale
- broccoli transplants
- onions sets
- potatoes
- beets
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cucumbers
- melons
- zucchini
- pumpkins
Avoid
- beans (wait until soil warms)
- corn (wait until late April or May)
- sweet potatoes
- eggplants (outdoor planting)
- warm-season herbs like basil (outdoor planting)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings like tomatoes and peppers
- continue direct sowing peas and root vegetables
- monitor soil moisture and avoid waterlogging
- prepare soil with compost for warm-season crops
- start planning succession planting for continuous harvest
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April in Columbus, OH?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, typically in mid-May.
When should I plant beans in raised beds?
Wait until late April or early May when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F or higher.
How do I harden off seedlings?
Gradually expose indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, increasing their time outside each day.
Is it safe to plant root vegetables directly in the ground now?
Yes, cool-season root vegetables like carrots and radishes can be sown directly in April as soil warms.
Should I fertilize raised beds before planting?
Incorporate compost or balanced fertilizer into raised beds before planting to provide nutrients for early crops.
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