Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Seattle, WA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April in Seattle is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and hardy herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. You can directly sow peas, lettuce, and spinach outdoors while starting tomatoes and peppers indoors for later transplanting. Avoid planting heat-loving crops too early to prevent frost damage.
Plant now (quick list)
peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, kale, chard, broccoli
Plant now
- peas
- lettuce
- spinach
- radishes
- carrots
- kale
- chard
- broccoli
- onions
- potatoes
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- celery
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- herbs like parsley and dill
Avoid
- beans
- corn
- cucumbers
- squash
- melons
- pumpkins
- sweet potatoes
- basil (outdoors)
- tomatoes (outdoors)
- peppers (outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- harden off indoor seedlings
- thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- continue sowing cool-season crops outdoors
- monitor soil moisture and avoid waterlogging
- apply mulch to retain soil moisture
- start planning for warm-season crop transplant
- watch for late frost warnings
- fertilize established plants lightly
- stake taller plants as needed
- remove weeds promptly
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes outdoors in April in Seattle?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them outdoors after the last frost, usually in late May.
How do I protect seedlings from late frosts?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors during cold nights to protect seedlings.
What vegetables grow well in raised beds in April?
Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes thrive in raised beds during April.
When should I start warm-season crops indoors?
Start warm-season crops like peppers and eggplants indoors in April to transplant after frost risk passes.
How often should I water newly planted seeds in April?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering lightly daily or as needed depending on weather.
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