What to plant in April in the US: zone-by-zone guide

In the United States, April planting is defined entirely by your local climate zone rather than a single national calendar date. While northern growers in zones 3 and 4 are still clearing snow and starting seeds indoors, gardeners in southern zones 9 and 10 are already wrapping up their cool-season harvests and preparing for intense summer heat. To plant successfully this month, you must coordinate your seed starting and transplanting schedule with the average last frost date for your specific region.

Zones 3–4: northern tier and mountains

In USDA zones 3 and 4, the average last spring frost typically occurs between mid-May and early June. April is a month of preparation, indoor starting, and limited outdoor direct sowing of exceptionally cold-tolerant species. Soil temperatures are often below 40°F, which prevents most seeds from germinating outdoors without protection.

1. Indoor seed sowing of cool-season crops

Start seeds of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and head lettuce indoors during early April. These crops require four to six weeks of indoor growth before they can tolerate the outdoor environment. Keep seedling trays in a bright south-facing window or under artificial LED grow lights to prevent them from becoming leggy. Maintain room temperatures around 65°F to 70°F for optimal germination.

2. Indoor seed sowing of warm-season crops

Late April is the correct time to start tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers indoors in these northern regions. Starting them too early results in oversized, root-bound plants that struggle to adapt when transplanted. Use sterile seed-starting mix in modular trays and place them on heating mats set to 75°F to speed up germination.

3. Direct sowing ultra-hardy greens

If the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work without clumping, you can direct-sow spinach, radishes, and peas under a cold frame or low tunnel. These plants can tolerate freezing air temperatures as long as the soil remains above 35°F. Do not attempt to sow carrots or beets yet, as their seeds will rot in cold, wet northern soils.

Zones 5–6: Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic

For gardeners in USDA zones 5 and 6, the average last frost date falls between late April and mid-May. You can find your exact local timeline using the agripure frost dates tool. April in these zones is a fast-paced transitional period where outdoor direct sowing and transplanting begin in earnest.

1. Direct sowing hardy root crops and greens

Direct-sow carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and Swiss chard directly into outdoor beds once soil temperatures consistently reach 45°F. Prepare the soil by raking it into a fine, loose tilth. Sow carrot seeds shallowly (about one-quarter inch deep) and keep the soil surface moist until germination occurs, which can take up to three weeks in cool spring soils.

2. Transplanting hardy brassicas and onions

Transplant hardened-off seedlings of cabbage, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts into the garden. These crops can survive light frosts if they have been properly acclimated to outdoor conditions. You can also plant onion sets, shallots, and bare-root strawberry plants. If you are limited on space, these crops perform exceptionally well in containers. For layout ideas, consult our guide on container vegetable gardening.

3. Indoor sowing of warm-season tender crops

Start tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and summer squash indoors during early to mid-April. These plants will be ready to transplant outdoors in late May or early June when night temperatures remain consistently above 50°F. Ensure they receive adequate light to build strong stems.

Zones 7–8: Upper South and Pacific Northwest

In USDA zones 7 and 8, the average last frost occurs between late March and mid-April. By mid-to-late April, the danger of frost has largely passed, and the soil is warming rapidly toward 60°F. This is the prime window for establishing a highly productive summer garden.

1. Transplanting tender warm-season crops

In mid-to-late April, transplant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants into their permanent garden beds. If an unexpected late frost is forecasted, cover these tender transplants with cloches or frost blankets overnight. Ensure you plant them in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Direct sowing warm-season vegetables

Direct-sow seeds of bush beans, pole beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, and melons directly into the ground. These seeds germinate rapidly when soil temperatures reach 60°F or higher. Plant beans one inch deep and squash seeds one inch deep in small hills or rows to ensure proper drainage.

3. Succession sowing of cool-season greens

To maintain a continuous harvest of salad greens, continue sowing small batches of leaf lettuce, arugula, and radishes every two weeks. However, shift these plantings to partially shaded areas of the garden to prevent them from bolting as late spring temperatures rise. To learn how to balance these planting cycles, refer to our guide on cool and warm season crops.

Zones 9–10: Gulf Coast, Southwest, Florida, and California

In USDA zones 9 and 10, the last frost occurred in February or March. April is not a spring month here; it is the gateway to summer. The main challenge is establishing heat-tolerant crops before extreme summer temperatures arrive, which can cause fruit set failure and plant stress.

1. Direct sowing heat-tolerant summer crops

Sow crops that thrive in intense heat, such as okra, southern peas (cowpeas), yardlong beans, and sweet potatoes. Sweet potato slips should be planted in loose, sandy soil where they can spread freely. These crops will continue to produce throughout the high summer when traditional temperate crops fail.

2. Planting summer herbs and companion flowers

Plant basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Basil grows exceptionally well alongside tomatoes and peppers, acting as a natural companion plant. Also sow heat-loving annual flowers like marigolds and zinnias to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your vegetable plots.

3. Preparing for the summer sowing gap

In these hot zones, cool-season crops like spinach and head lettuce will quickly bolt and turn bitter. Harvest the remaining cool-season crops now to clear space for summer varieties. If you plan to grow fall brassicas later in the year, you will need to start seeds in midsummer, as detailed in our timeline for sowing fall brassicas.

Essential April gardening jobs

Regardless of your USDA zone, completing these fundamental maintenance tasks in April will set your garden up for success:

1. Soil temperature monitoring

Do not guess when to plant. Purchase a simple soil thermometer and insert it four inches into your garden beds. Many seeds will rot if planted in soil that is even five degrees cooler than their minimum germination threshold. Refer to established temperature charts before direct sowing.

2. Hardening off transplants

Never move seedlings directly from a warm indoor environment to the garden. Acclimate them gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days. Place them outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot for an hour on the first day, gradually increasing their exposure to wind, sun, and cooler temperatures each day.

3. Applying mulch

Once your soil has warmed up and your transplants are established, apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch, such as clean straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips. Mulch conserves soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth, reducing your maintenance labor as the season progresses.

4. Installing pest barriers and support structures

Install trellises, stakes, and tomato cages at the time of planting to avoid damaging the root systems of your crops later. Cover young brassicas and leafy greens with lightweight floating row covers to protect them from common spring pests like flea beetles and cabbage moths.