April is a great time to start planting a variety of vegetables, depending on your climate. Below is a guide based on different regions. Tip, if it's still too cold to plant outdoors in your location, you can always start indoors!
Cool Climates (Zones 3-5)
- Direct Sow: Peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, turnips, kale, onions (sets), potatoes.
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Start Indoors: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squash, melons (to transplant in May/June).
Mild Climates (Zones 6-7)
- Direct Sow: Peas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, onions, potatoes, radishes, kale, cabbage, broccoli.
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Start Indoors or Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplants.
Warm Climates (Zones 8-10)
- Direct Sow: Beans, corn, squash, melons, cucumbers, okra, peanuts, sweet potatoes.
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Transplant: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant.
General Tips:
- Check soil temperature: Most cool-season crops germinate well at 40–50°F (4–10°C), while warm-season crops need 60°F+ (16°C+).
- Consider raised beds for better drainage.
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Use row covers if there’s a risk of late frost.
You can determine your gardening climate zone using the USDA Hardiness Zone Map (for the U.S.) or equivalent maps for your country. Here’s how:
1. Check Online
Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) and enter your zip code to find your zone.
2. Look at Your Average Winter Temperatures
Hardiness zones are based on the lowest average winter temperatures:
- Zone 3: -40°F to -30°F
- Zone 4: -30°F to -20°F
- Zone 5: -20°F to -10°F
- Zone 6: -10°F to 0°F
- Zone 7: 0°F to 10°F
- Zone 8: 10°F to 20°F
- Zone 9: 20°F to 30°F
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Zone 10+: 30°F and above
3. Consider Your Local Growing Conditions
Beyond zones, also consider:
- First and Last Frost Dates (important for planting schedules).
- Rainfall and Humidity (affects watering needs).
- Soil Type (some plants prefer sandy, loamy, or clay soils).
Best Vegetables to Start Indoors in April
These plants need a head start indoors and can be transplanted outdoors in mid-to-late May after the last frost:
Warm-Season Crops (Need Warmth & Longer Growing Time)
🌱 Tomatoes – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-15).
🌱 Peppers (Bell, Hot, Sweet, etc.) – Start 8-10 weeks before last frost (~April 1).
🌱 Eggplant – Start 8-10 weeks before last frost (~April 1).
🌱 Basil – Start 4-6 weeks before last frost (~April 15).
Cool-Season Crops (Transplant in Early May with Protection)
🌱 Broccoli – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
🌱 Cabbage – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
🌱 Cauliflower – Start 6-8 weeks before last frost (~April 1-10).
🌱 Lettuce – Start 4-6 weeks before last frost (~April 15-20).
Tips for Indoor Seed Starting
✔ Use Grow Lights – Keep lights 2-4 inches above seedlings for 12-16 hours a day.
✔ Keep Soil Warm – 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal for germination. Use a heat mat if needed.
✔ Moist but Not Soggy – Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
✔ Harden Off Before Transplanting – Around mid-May, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting in the garden.