What to plant in April in District of Columbia
In District of Columbia (DC), April comes about 1 week after the average last frost (April 10). The state averages 198 frost-free days a year (last frost April 10, first frost October 25; USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a).
84 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including carrot, chervil, endive & escarole, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens - and 44 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from District of Columbia frost dates (last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant carrot, lettuce or broccoli in District of Columbia.
District of Columbia: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 6) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 6) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 6) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Fennel (Bulb) (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Globe Artichoke (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 13) · Lemon Balm (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Mint (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Tarragon (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Fennel (Bulb) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Lemon Balm (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Parsnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Swiss Chard (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (104)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 3 | Last chance - ends Apr 3 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 20 – Apr 6 | Last chance - ends Apr 6 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 22 – Apr 10 | Last chance - ends Apr 10 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Mar 27 – Apr 13 | Last chance - ends Apr 13 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 29 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 3 – Apr 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 20 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 5 – Apr 24 | Apr 5 – Apr 24 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 10 – Apr 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 27 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 12 – May 1 | Opens Apr 12 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 17 – May 4 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 19 – May 8 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 11 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 11 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 11 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 24 – May 11 | Opens Apr 24 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 23
- Beet: sow again on Apr 18
- Radish: sow again on Apr 2 and Apr 12 and Apr 22
- Arugula: sow again on Apr 6 and Apr 18 and Apr 30
- Green Onion / Scallion: sow again on Apr 3 and Apr 24
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 3 and Apr 17
- Tatsoi: sow again on Apr 6 and Apr 18 and Apr 30
- Mizuna: sow again on Apr 6 and Apr 18 and Apr 30
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 District of Columbia
Every crop has its own full-year dates for District of Columbia: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in District of Columbia
- With the average last frost on April 10, 75 crops can go in outdoors this month, including carrot, chervil, endive & escarole, kohlrabi.
- 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 District of Columbia
District of Columbia spans USDA zones 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 District of Columbia in April?
84 crops have a window in April: carrot, chervil, endive & escarole, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, rapini (broccoli raab), turnip, watercress, asparagus and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in District of Columbia in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 10 – Apr 27 in District of Columbia, so do it before April 27.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in District of Columbia in April?
No - direct sow (spring) runs Mar 15 – Apr 3 in District of Columbia, so do it before April 3.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 25 and the last spring frost around April 10. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia’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.