Planting calendar
April Planting Guide for Washington, DC: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
April in Washington, DC is ideal for planting cool-season vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. This month, focus on direct sowing hardy crops and transplanting seedlings started indoors earlier. Avoid planting heat-loving plants until the risk of frost has passed.
Plant now (quick list)
lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, peas, kale, broccoli transplants, cauliflower transplants
Plant now
- lettuce
- spinach
- radishes
- carrots
- peas
- kale
- broccoli transplants
- cauliflower transplants
- onions sets
- potatoes
Start indoors
- tomatoes
- peppers
- eggplants
- basil
- cucumbers
- melons
- squash
- pumpkins
- celery
- herbs like parsley and chives
Avoid
- beans (snap and pole)
- corn
- tomatoes (direct sow)
- peppers (direct sow)
- eggplants (direct sow)
- cucumbers (direct sow)
- melons (direct sow)
- squash (direct sow)
- pumpkins (direct sow)
- sweet potatoes
Next 2 weeks
- harden off tomato, pepper, and eggplant seedlings
- thin seedlings of carrots and lettuce
- continue planting peas and spinach
- monitor soil moisture for raised beds
- start preparing soil for warm-season crops
- transplant broccoli and cauliflower seedlings
- apply mulch to retain moisture
- watch for late frost warnings
- fertilize leafy greens lightly
- start trellises for peas
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in April in DC?
It's best to start tomatoes indoors in April and transplant them after the last frost, usually in mid-May.
How do I protect seedlings from late frost?
Use row covers, cloches, or bring container plants indoors during cold nights to protect seedlings.
When should I start warm-season crops like cucumbers and squash?
Start them indoors in April and transplant outdoors after the last frost, typically late May.
Is it better to plant in raised beds or containers in April?
Both work well; raised beds warm faster and drain well, while containers offer mobility and control over soil.
How often should I water new seedlings in April?
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, watering daily if needed depending on weather and container size.
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 GrowGardens AI
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.