What should I plant in April in zone 5b?

In April in zone 5b, you can plant Marigolds, Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Snapdragons, and more. Check indoor start, transplant, and direct sow dates for your specific zone.

When do I plant Marigolds in zone 5b?

In zone 5b, Marigolds: start seeds indoors Apr 1, transplant outdoors May 5--15, direct sow May 10.

When do I plant Zinnias in zone 5b?

In zone 5b, Zinnias: start seeds indoors Apr 1, transplant outdoors May 5--15, direct sow May 10--Jun 1.

When do I plant Nasturtiums in zone 5b?

In zone 5b, Nasturtiums: start seeds indoors Apr 1, transplant outdoors May 5, direct sow May 5--15.

What to Plant in April

USDA Zone 5b

Last frost: Apr 15 – May 1 Frost-free days: 150–170

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

Snapdragons

Calendula

Alyssum

Basil

Cilantro

Dill

Parsley

Chives

Mint

Lemon Balm

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cabbage

Brussels Sprouts

Kale

Lettuce

Spinach

Peas

Cucumbers

Summer Squash

Winter Squash

Pumpkins

Carrots

Beets

Radishes

Turnips

Onions (sets)

Onions (seed)

Potatoes

Swiss Chard

Leeks

Kohlrabi

Okra

Watermelon

Start Indoors 10

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

Basil

Mar 15 – Apr 1

4 per sq ft 25–35 days

Marigolds

Apr 1–8

Zinnias

Apr 1–8

Nasturtiums

Apr 1–8

Cucumbers

Apr 1–15

2 per sq ft 50–70 days

Summer Squash

Apr 1–15

Winter Squash

Apr 1–15

Pumpkins

Apr 1–15

¼ per sq ft 85–120 days

Okra

Apr 1–8

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Watermelon

Apr 1–8

¼ per sq ft 70–90 days

Transplant 16

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Lettuce

Apr 1–15

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Onions (seed)

Apr 1–15

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Kohlrabi

Apr 1–15

Snapdragons

Apr 15 – May 1

Alyssum

Apr 15–22

Parsley

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Chives

Apr 15 – May 1

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Apr 15–22

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Lemon Balm

Apr 15–22

Broccoli

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Cauliflower

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Cabbage

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Kale

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Leeks

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 90–150 days

Direct Sow 21

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Sweet Peas

Mar 15 – Apr 1

Spinach

Mar 15 – Apr 15

9 per sq ft 35–50 days

Peas

Mar 15 – Apr 15

8 per sq ft 55–70 days

Cilantro

Apr 1 – May 1

9 per sq ft 30–45 days

Lettuce

Apr 1 – May 15

4 per sq ft 45–60 days

Carrots

Apr 1 – Jul 1

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Beets

Apr 1 – Jul 1

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Radishes

Apr 1 – Sep 1

16 per sq ft 22–30 days

Turnips

Apr 1–15

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Onions (sets)

Apr 1–15

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Potatoes

Apr 1–15

1 per sq ft 70–150 days

Kohlrabi

Apr 1–15

Calendula

Apr 15 – May 1

Alyssum

Apr 15 – May 1

Dill

Apr 15 – Jun 1

4 per sq ft 40–60 days

Parsley

Apr 15–22

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Chives

Apr 15–22

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Apr 15–22

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Lemon Balm

Apr 15–22

Kale

Apr 15 – May 1

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

Apr 15 – May 1

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

April Gardening Tips

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