What should I plant in April in zone 4a?

In April in zone 4a, you can plant Marigolds, Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Basil, and more. Check indoor start, transplant, and direct sow dates for your specific zone.

When do I plant Marigolds in zone 4a?

In zone 4a, Marigolds: start seeds indoors Apr 1--15, transplant outdoors May 15--25, direct sow May 20.

When do I plant Zinnias in zone 4a?

In zone 4a, Zinnias: start seeds indoors Apr 15, transplant outdoors May 15--25, direct sow May 20--Jun 1.

When do I plant Nasturtiums in zone 4a?

In zone 4a, Nasturtiums: start seeds indoors Apr 15, transplant outdoors May 15, direct sow May 15--20.

What to Plant in April

USDA Zone 4a

Last frost: May 1 – May 15 Frost-free days: 120–150

Zone:

The season is opening up. Direct sow cold-hardy crops like peas, spinach, and radishes as soon as the ground thaws. Continue starting warm-season seedlings indoors.

April at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Marigolds

Zinnias

Nasturtiums

Sweet Peas

Basil

Cilantro

Tomatoes

Kale

Lettuce

Spinach

Peas

Cucumbers

Summer Squash

Winter Squash

Pumpkins

Carrots

Beets

Radishes

Turnips

Onions (sets)

Onions (seed)

Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Kohlrabi

Start Indoors 12

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Tomatoes

Mar 15 – Apr 1

1 per sq ft 65–80 days

Kale

Mar 15 – Apr 1

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Lettuce

Mar 15 – Apr 1

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Marigolds

Apr 1–15

Basil

Apr 1–15

4 per sq ft 25–35 days

Swiss Chard

Apr 1–8

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Zinnias

Apr 15–22

Nasturtiums

Apr 15–22

Cucumbers

Apr 15 – May 1

2 per sq ft 50–70 days

Summer Squash

Apr 15 – May 1

Winter Squash

Apr 15 – May 1

Pumpkins

Apr 15 – May 1

¼ per sq ft 85–120 days

Transplant 3

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Lettuce

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Onions (seed)

Apr 15 – May 1

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Kohlrabi

Apr 15 – May 1

Direct Sow 12

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Sweet Peas

Apr 1–15

Spinach

Apr 1 – May 1

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Peas

Apr 1 – May 1

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Cilantro

Apr 15 – May 15

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Lettuce

Apr 15 – Jun 1

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Carrots

Apr 15 – May 15

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Beets

Apr 15 – May 15

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Radishes

Apr 15 – Aug 1

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

Turnips

Apr 15 – May 1

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Onions (sets)

Apr 15 – May 1

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Potatoes

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 70–150 days

Kohlrabi

Apr 15 – May 1

April Gardening Tips

Start Lettuce, Kale, Tomatoes indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Lettuce, Onions (seed), Kohlrabi can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Lettuce, Peas, Spinach straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Soil temperature matters more than air temperature for germination. Use a soil thermometer before direct sowing.