What to plant in April in New Jersey

Last chance in April

Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 2) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 6) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 9) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 9) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Apr 9) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 13) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 16) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 16) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 16) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 16)

Sow or plant outdoors in April (118)

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 (7)

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

Keep sowing (succession)

Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.

• Pea: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 21
• Spinach: sow again on Apr 9 and Apr 21
• Mache (Corn Salad): sow again on Apr 13 and Apr 27

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 New Jersey

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

Last-frost month: April garden jobs in New Jersey

1. The average last frost is April 20. Hardy crops can go out now - green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean) - 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 New Jersey average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for New Jersey

New Jersey spans USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. 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