Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Philadelphia, PA: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground Gardens
April in Philadelphia is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs directly in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. You can also start warm-season crops indoors to transplant after the last frost. Focus on hardy greens, root vegetables, and early herbs this month.
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
- Herbs like parsley and cilantro
Start indoors
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Basil
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Celery
Avoid
- Corn (too early, wait until late April or May)
- Beans (wait until soil warms)
- Cucumbers (direct sowing, wait until late April or May)
- Tomatoes (direct sowing, start indoors first)
- Peppers (direct sowing, start indoors first)
- Eggplants (direct sowing, start indoors first)
- Sweet potatoes
- Tropical plants
- Warm-season herbs like basil (direct sowing)
- Melons (direct sowing)
Next 2 weeks
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting
- Prepare soil with compost and mulch
- Monitor soil temperature for warm-season crops
- Plant potatoes in well-drained soil
- Thin seedlings of direct sown crops
- Support peas with trellises
- Keep containers well-watered as temperatures rise
- Watch for late frost warnings
- Start succession planting of leafy greens
- Control early pests like aphids and slugs
FAQs
When is the last frost date in Philadelphia?
The average last frost date is around mid-April, but it can vary; monitor local forecasts closely.
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in April?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, usually late April to early May.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors overnight to protect young plants from frost.
What soil preparation is recommended for April planting?
Amend soil with compost for nutrients and ensure good drainage; raised beds and containers should be refreshed with quality potting mix.
How often should I water newly planted seeds and seedlings?
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; watering once daily in the morning is usually sufficient, adjusting for rainfall.
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