What to plant in April in Arkansas
In Arkansas (AR), April comes about 2 weeks after the average last frost (April 3). The state averages 212 frost-free days a year (last frost April 3, first frost November 1; USDA zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
78 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens, kale, leek - and 27 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Arkansas frost dates (last frost Apr 3, first frost Nov 1). For one crop in detail, see when to plant kale, potato or swiss chard in Arkansas.
Arkansas: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 6) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Celeriac (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Celery (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Oregano (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Sage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Thyme (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Dill (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Sunflower (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (80)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 4 and Apr 16 and Apr 28
- Lettuce: sow again on Apr 1 and Apr 13 and Apr 25
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 4 and Apr 16 and Apr 28
- Carrot: sow again on Apr 18
- Beet: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 29
- Radish: sow again on Apr 5 and Apr 15 and Apr 25
- Arugula: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Turnip: sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Kohlrabi: sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Mustard Greens: sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on Apr 17
- Endive & Escarole: sow again on Apr 3 and Apr 17
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Rapini (Broccoli Raab): sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Tatsoi: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Mizuna: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Chervil: sow again on Apr 10 and Apr 24
- Watercress: sow again on Apr 10
Harvesting in April
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Arkansas
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Arkansas: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in Arkansas
- With the average last frost on April 3, 60 crops can go in outdoors this month, including bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon and water in well - see transplanting seedlings without shock.
- Once the soil has warmed, lay mulch around established plants to hold moisture and smother weeds.
- Sow quick crops little and often - lettuce, radish and beans every two to three weeks give a steady harvest instead of a glut (succession planting).
USDA zone chart for Arkansas
Arkansas spans USDA zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Arkansas in April?
78 crops have a window in April: bok choy / pak choi, borage, cilantro / coriander, collard greens, kale, leek, napa cabbage, parsley, potato, radicchio and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Arkansas in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 3 – Apr 20 in Arkansas, so do it before April 20.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Arkansas in April?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Arkansas the next lettuce window opens around August 27: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Arkansas?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 1 and the last spring frost around April 3. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Arkansas in April?
From plantings made on time: radish, spinach, arugula, tatsoi, mizuna, mustard greens, mache (corn salad), lettuce, turnip, rapini (broccoli raab).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Arkansas’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.