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 in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Focus on hardy greens, root crops, and early-season flowers that tolerate occasional frost. Start warm-season crops indoors to transplant after the last frost date.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Kale, Peas, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Kale
- Peas
- Carrots
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Chives
- Pansies
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Herbs like parsley and dill
Avoid
- Corn
- Beans (snap and pole)
- Squash (direct sow)
- Tomatoes (outdoors)
- Peppers (outdoors)
- Eggplants (outdoors)
- Cucumbers (outdoors)
- Melons (outdoors)
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil (outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings gradually before transplanting
- Prepare soil with compost and organic matter
- Monitor for late frost and cover tender plants if needed
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Start planting peas and spinach in containers
- Begin transplanting hardy seedlings like kale and onions
- Water consistently but avoid waterlogging
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Watch for pests like aphids and slugs
- Plan succession planting for continuous harvest
FAQs
When is the last frost date for New York, NY?
Typically, the last frost occurs around mid-April to early May, but it can vary yearly, so monitor local forecasts closely.
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, usually late May.
How do I protect young plants from late frost?
Use row covers, cloches, or lightweight blankets to cover plants overnight and remove covers during the day to allow sunlight.
Is it okay to plant seeds directly in raised beds in April?
Yes, cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes can be sown directly in raised beds in April.
How often should I water container plants in April?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 2-3 days, but adjust based on weather and container size.
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.