Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Philadelphia, PA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April in Philadelphia is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. You can sow hardy crops outdoors and start warm-season plants indoors to prepare for transplanting after the last frost. Focus on crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas now, while starting tomatoes and peppers indoors.
Plant now (quick list)
Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Carrots, Kale, Broccoli, Onions (sets or seedlings)
Plant now
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Onions (sets or seedlings)
- Potatoes
- Beets
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Pumpkins
Avoid
- Corn (too early, wait until soil warms)
- Beans (wait until after last frost)
- Sweet potatoes
- Cucumbers (direct sowing, wait until warmer)
- Tomatoes (outdoor transplanting before last frost)
- Peppers (outdoor transplanting before last frost)
- Eggplants (outdoor transplanting before last frost)
- Basil (direct sowing outdoors too early)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions
- Direct sow beans and corn after mid to late April if soil temperature is above 55°F
- Continue planting cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach for succession harvest
- Prepare soil by adding compost and ensuring good drainage in raised beds and containers
- Monitor for late frost and protect tender plants with row covers if needed
FAQs
When is the last frost date for Philadelphia, PA?
The average last frost date is around mid-April, but it can vary. It's safest to wait until after this date to transplant warm-season crops outdoors.
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in April?
No, tomatoes should be started indoors now and transplanted outdoors after the last frost when soil and air temperatures are consistently warm.
How do I harden off seedlings started indoors?
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days by placing them outside for a few hours daily, increasing time and sunlight exposure each day.
What vegetables grow best in raised beds during April?
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, and carrots thrive in raised beds during April in Philadelphia.
Should I fertilize my garden before planting in April?
Yes, incorporate compost or balanced fertilizer into your soil before planting to provide nutrients for healthy growth.
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.