What to plant in April in Utah
In Utah (UT), April sits about 3 weeks before the average last frost (May 5). The state averages 153 frost-free days a year (last frost May 5, first frost October 5; USDA zones 4a, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 9a).
70 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 23 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Utah frost dates (last frost May 5, first frost Oct 5). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Utah.
Utah covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Utah: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Basil (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Apr 7) · Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Apr 14) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 14) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 14) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 14) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 17)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (72)
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 26 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 26 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 26 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 31 – Apr 17 | Last chance - ends Apr 17 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 2 – Apr 21 | Apr 2 – Apr 21 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 7 – Apr 24 | Apr 7 – Apr 24 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 9 – Apr 28 | Apr 9 – Apr 28 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 14 – May 1 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 16 – May 5 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 21 – May 8 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 21 – May 8 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 23 – May 12 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 28 – May 15 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 30 – May 19 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 30 – May 19 | 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 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Last chance - ends Apr 7 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Last chance - ends Apr 14 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
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 Utah
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Utah: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Last-frost month: April garden jobs in Utah
- The average last frost is May 5. 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 Utah average is worked out.
USDA zone chart for Utah
Utah spans USDA zones 4a, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8a, 9a. 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 Utah in April?
70 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 Utah in April?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Utah the next tomato window opens around May 5: transplant outdoors.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Utah in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 31 – Apr 14 in Utah, so do it before April 14.
When is the first frost in Utah?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 5 and the last spring frost around May 5. Utah covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Utah?
Basil (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Collard Greens (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Endive & Escarole (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Kohlrabi (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Malabar Spinach (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Okra (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Radicchio (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Summer Savory (Mar 24 – Apr 7), Bitter Melon (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Cucamelon (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Fennel (Bulb) (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Lettuce (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Napa Cabbage (Mar 31 – Apr 14), New Zealand Spinach (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Peanut (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Swiss Chard (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Watercress (Mar 31 – Apr 14), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Cucumber (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Pumpkin (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Sunflower (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Watermelon (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Winter Squash (Apr 7 – Apr 21), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 7 – Apr 21).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Utah’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.