Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for New York, NY: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
April in New York is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. This month, focus on hardy greens, root crops, and starting warm-season plants indoors to get a jumpstart on summer harvests.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Carrots, Peas, Kale, Chard, Onions (sets or seedlings)
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Peas
- Kale
- Chard
- Onions (sets or seedlings)
- Potatoes
- Beets
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
Avoid
- Corn (too early, wait until soil warms)
- Beans (wait until late April or May)
- Sweet potatoes (too cold)
- Pumpkins (too early)
- Tropical plants (sensitive to cold)
- Warm-season herbs like rosemary (wait until warmer)
- Tomatoes outdoors (wait until after last frost)
- Peppers outdoors (wait until warmer)
- Eggplants outdoors (wait until warmer)
- Cucumbers outdoors (wait until warmer)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions
- Direct sow additional peas and root vegetables as soil warms
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Monitor soil moisture closely; water as needed
- Prepare soil for warm-season crops by adding compost
- Start planning succession planting for continuous harvest
- Check for early pests and diseases and manage promptly
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Support peas and other climbing plants with trellises
- Plant herbs like parsley and cilantro outdoors
FAQs
When is the last frost date in New York, NY?
Typically, the last frost date is around mid-April to early May, but it can vary; always monitor local weather forecasts.
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost when soil and air temperatures are consistently warm.
How do I know if my soil is ready for planting?
Soil should be workable and not waterlogged; a simple test is to squeeze a handful—if it crumbles easily, it’s ready.
Should I fertilize before planting in April?
Yes, incorporating compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting improves soil fertility and supports healthy plant growth.
What are good container plants for April in New York?
Cool-season greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs such as parsley and chives do well in containers during April.
Next steps
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