Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Indianapolis, IN: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
April is a great month to start planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in Indianapolis. You can sow hardy crops directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens as the soil warms, while also starting tender plants indoors for later transplanting. Be cautious of late frosts and avoid planting heat-loving crops too early.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Peas, Kale, Carrots, Onions (sets or seedlings), Broccoli
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Peas
- Kale
- Carrots
- Onions (sets or seedlings)
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Pumpkins
- Celery
- Brussels sprouts
Avoid
- Corn
- Beans (pole and bush)
- Tomatoes (direct sowing)
- Peppers (direct sowing)
- Eggplants (direct sowing)
- Cucumbers (direct sowing)
- Melons (direct sowing)
- Squash (direct sowing)
- Pumpkins (direct sowing)
- Sweet potatoes
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Mulch around early plantings to retain moisture
- Monitor soil temperature for warm-season crops
- Start succession sowing of radishes and lettuce
- Prepare trellises for peas and beans
- Check for late frost warnings
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Water raised beds and containers consistently
- Add compost to improve soil fertility
- Inspect plants for pests and diseases
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April in Indianapolis?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, typically in mid to late May.
When is the last frost date for Indianapolis?
The average last frost date in Indianapolis is around mid-May, but always check local forecasts for the current year.
Can I plant peas in containers?
Yes, peas grow well in containers with good drainage and a trellis or support for climbing.
How do I protect young plants from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors overnight to shield plants from frost.
Should I fertilize my raised beds before planting?
Adding compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting helps improve soil fertility and supports healthy growth.
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