What to plant in April in Nebraska
In Nebraska (NE), April sits about 2 weeks before the average last frost (April 30). The state averages 158 frost-free days a year (last frost April 30, first frost October 5; USDA zones 4b, 5a, 5b).
76 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 32 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Nebraska frost dates (last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Nebraska.
Nebraska: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Basil (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 12) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (85)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 21 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 21 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 21 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 26 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 28 – Apr 16 | Last chance - ends Apr 16 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 2 – Apr 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 19 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
Start seeds indoors in April (26)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
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 Nebraska
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Nebraska: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: April garden jobs in Nebraska
- The average last frost is April 30. 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.
- 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 Nebraska average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for Nebraska
Nebraska spans USDA zones 4b, 5a, 5b. 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 Nebraska in April?
76 crops have a window in April: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Nebraska in April?
No - transplant outdoors runs Apr 30 – May 17 in Nebraska.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Nebraska in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 26 – Apr 9 in Nebraska, so do it before April 9.
When is the first frost in Nebraska?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around April 30. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Nebraska?
Basil (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Collard Greens (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Endive & Escarole (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Kohlrabi (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Malabar Spinach (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Okra (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Radicchio (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Summer Savory (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Bitter Melon (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Cucamelon (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Lettuce (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Napa Cabbage (Mar 26 – Apr 9), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Peanut (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Swiss Chard (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Watercress (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Cucumber (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Pumpkin (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Sunflower (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Watermelon (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Winter Squash (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 2 – Apr 16).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Nebraska’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.