Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Philadelphia, PA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April is an ideal month to start planting cool-season crops in Philadelphia, whether in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. You can directly sow hardy vegetables and herbs outdoors while starting warm-season plants indoors to transplant later. Focus on crops that tolerate early spring conditions and prepare your soil for summer planting.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, peas, kale, broccoli, onions
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- radishes
- carrots
- peas
- kale
- broccoli
- onions
- potatoes
- chard
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cucumbers
- melons
- zucchini
- pumpkins
- marigolds
- nasturtiums
Avoid
- beans (wait until soil warms)
- corn (wait until late April or May)
- sweet potatoes
- cucumbers (outdoors)
- tomatoes (outdoors)
- peppers (outdoors)
- eggplants (outdoors)
- basil (outdoors)
- melons (outdoors)
- pumpkins (outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- prepare soil with compost for summer crops
- monitor soil moisture to avoid overwatering
- apply mulch to retain soil warmth
- start planting warm-season crops outdoors if late April frost risk passes
- thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- stake early-growing plants like peas
- watch for pests like aphids on young plants
- test soil pH and amend if needed
- plan succession planting for continuous harvest
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April in Philadelphia?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, usually in mid to late May.
When should I start peas in raised beds?
Peas can be directly sown outdoors in early April as they tolerate cool soil and frost.
How do I harden off seedlings started indoors?
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, starting with a few hours in shade and increasing time and sun exposure daily.
Is it safe to plant cucumbers in containers now?
Wait until late April or early May when soil temperatures are consistently warm to plant cucumbers outdoors or in containers.
What soil preparation is recommended in April?
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into your beds to improve fertility and structure before planting.
Next steps
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