Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for San Jose, CA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April in San Jose offers ideal conditions to plant a variety of vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on warm-season crops and continue planting cool-season greens early in the month. Prepare your garden for summer harvests by sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings now.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Basil, Zucchini, Green beans, Lettuce, Carrots, Beets
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Beets
- Cucumbers
- Chard
Start indoors
- Eggplants
- Melons
- Pumpkins
- Winter squash
- Corn
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Sunflowers
- Tomatillos
- Herbs like dill and cilantro
Avoid
- Broccoli (late April is risky due to warming soil)
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas (too warm now)
- Spinach (bolts quickly in heat)
- Potatoes (better planted earlier)
- Kale (slow growth in heat)
- Radishes (may bolt)
- Garlic (plant in fall only)
Next 2 weeks
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Start staking or caging tomatoes and beans
- Monitor for aphids and slugs
- Water consistently in containers
- Fertilize leafy greens lightly
- Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors
- Prepare soil for late-season crops
- Rotate crops to prevent disease
- Check for frost risk early April, protect if needed
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in April?
Yes, April is a good time to transplant tomato seedlings outdoors in San Jose, as soil temperatures are warm enough for healthy growth.
Should I start peppers indoors or sow directly?
Start pepper seeds indoors early April or buy seedlings; peppers prefer warm soil and may struggle if sown directly too late.
How often should I water container plants in April?
Water containers daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry, as containers dry out faster than in-ground beds.
Is it safe to plant basil now?
Yes, basil thrives in warm weather and can be planted outdoors in April once the risk of frost has passed.
What pests should I watch for in April?
Look out for aphids, slugs, and snails, especially on leafy greens and young seedlings.
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.