What to plant in April in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire (NH), April sits about 4 weeks before the average last frost (May 13). The state averages 135 frost-free days a year (last frost May 13, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).
68 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 11 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from New Hampshire frost dates (last frost May 13, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Apr 8)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (61)
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) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
Start seeds indoors in April (37)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
Planting dates for popular crops in New Hampshire
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Hampshire: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: April garden jobs in New Hampshire
- The average last frost is May 13. 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 New Hampshire average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for New Hampshire
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. 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 New Hampshire in April?
68 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 New Hampshire in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 18 – Apr 1 in New Hampshire, so do it before April 1.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Hampshire in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Apr 8 – Apr 22 in New Hampshire, so do it before April 22.
When is the first frost in New Hampshire?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 13. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in New Hampshire?
Ground Cherry (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Lemon Balm (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Shiso (Perilla) (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Sweet Marjoram (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Tomatillo (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Tomato (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Broccoli (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Cabbage (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Cauliflower (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Kale (Mar 25 – Apr 8), Basil (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Collard Greens (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Endive & Escarole (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Kohlrabi (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Malabar Spinach (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Okra (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Radicchio (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Summer Savory (Apr 1 – Apr 15), Bitter Melon (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Cucamelon (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Fennel (Bulb) (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Lettuce (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Napa Cabbage (Apr 8 – Apr 22), New Zealand Spinach (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Peanut (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Swiss Chard (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Watercress (Apr 8 – Apr 22), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Cucumber (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Pumpkin (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Sunflower (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Watermelon (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Winter Squash (Apr 15 – Apr 29), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 15 – Apr 29).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from New Hampshire’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.