What to plant in April in Kentucky
In Kentucky (KY), the average last frost (April 18) arrives in late April. The state averages 185 frost-free days a year (last frost April 18, first frost October 20; USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a).
86 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion - and 59 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Kentucky frost dates (last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant arugula, beet or onion in Kentucky.
Kentucky: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 4) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 4) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 7) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 7) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Apr 7) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 11) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 14) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 14) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 14) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 14) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 18)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (117)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 16 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 21 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 23 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 28 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 30 – Apr 18 | Last chance - ends Apr 18 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 4 – Apr 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 21 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 4 – Apr 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 21 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 4 – Apr 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 21 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 4 – Apr 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 21 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 4 – Apr 21 | Apr 4 – Apr 21 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 6 – Apr 25 | Apr 6 – Apr 25 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 6 – Apr 25 | Apr 6 – Apr 25 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 6 – Apr 25 | Apr 6 – Apr 25 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 6 – Apr 25 | Apr 6 – Apr 25 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 11 – Apr 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 28 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 11 – Apr 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 28 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 11 – Apr 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 28 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 11 – Apr 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 28 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 11 – Apr 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 28 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 13 – May 2 | Opens Apr 13 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 13 – May 2 | Opens Apr 13 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 5 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 20 – May 9 | Opens Apr 20 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 25 – May 12 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 27 – May 16 | Opens Apr 27 |
Start seeds indoors in April (7)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Pea: sow again on Apr 7 and Apr 19
- Spinach: sow again on Apr 7 and Apr 19
- Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 11 and Apr 25
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 Kentucky
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Kentucky: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: April garden jobs in Kentucky
- The average last frost is April 18. Hardy crops can go out now - arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings 7-10 days before they go out: a few hours of outdoor shade first, building up to full sun and nights outside.
- Keep row cover or old sheets handy and watch the 10-day forecast - a clear, still night after a warm spell is the classic late-frost setup.
- Soil temperature matters as much as the calendar: most warm-season seed rots below about 60°F. Check the frost dates guide for how the Kentucky average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a. 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 Kentucky in April?
86 crops have a window in April: arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion, radish, shallot, tatsoi, cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Kentucky in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 18 – May 5 in Kentucky.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Kentucky in April?
No - direct sow (spring) runs Mar 23 – Apr 11 in Kentucky, so do it before April 11.
When is the first frost in Kentucky?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 18. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Kentucky?
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Cucumber (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Pumpkin (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Sunflower (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Watermelon (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Winter Squash (Mar 21 – Apr 4), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 21 – Apr 4).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Kentucky’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.