What to plant in April in Massachusetts

Last chance in April

Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Apr 3) · Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 10) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 3) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 6) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 10) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 13) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 13) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Apr 13) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 17)

Sow or plant outdoors in April (97)

Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.

Start seeds indoors in April (18)

Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.

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 Massachusetts

Every crop has its own full-year dates for Massachusetts: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.

Last-frost month: April garden jobs in Massachusetts

1. The average last frost is April 24. Hardy crops can go out now - mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion - but hold tender ones like tomatoes, peppers and squash until after that date.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Massachusetts average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for Massachusetts

Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5a, 5b, 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