What to plant in April in Vermont
In Vermont (VT), April sits about 4 weeks before the average last frost (May 14). The state averages 134 frost-free days a year (last frost May 14, first frost September 25; USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).
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 Vermont frost dates (last frost May 14, first frost Sep 25). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Vermont.
Vermont: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9)
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 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 4 – Apr 23 | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 9 – Apr 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 26 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 11 – Apr 30 | Apr 11 – Apr 30 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 16 – May 3 | Opens Apr 16 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 18 – May 7 | Opens Apr 18 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 23 – May 10 | Opens Apr 23 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 25 – May 14 | Opens Apr 25 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 30 – May 17 | Opens Apr 30 |
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 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Last chance - ends Apr 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Last chance - ends Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Vermont
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Vermont: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: April garden jobs in Vermont
- Start 37 crops indoors this month, including ground cherry, lemon balm, shiso (perilla), sweet marjoram. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 4 weeks until the average last frost (May 14). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
USDA zone chart for Vermont
Vermont spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 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 Vermont 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 Vermont in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 19 – Apr 2 in Vermont, so do it before April 2.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Vermont in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Apr 9 – Apr 23 in Vermont, so do it before April 23.
When is the first frost in Vermont?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 25 and the last spring frost around May 14. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Vermont?
Ground Cherry (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Lemon Balm (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Shiso (Perilla) (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Sweet Marjoram (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Tomatillo (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Tomato (Mar 19 – Apr 2), Broccoli (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Cabbage (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Cauliflower (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Kale (Mar 26 – Apr 9), Basil (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Collard Greens (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Endive & Escarole (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Kohlrabi (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Malabar Spinach (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Okra (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Radicchio (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Summer Savory (Apr 2 – Apr 16), Bitter Melon (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Cucamelon (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Fennel (Bulb) (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Lettuce (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Napa Cabbage (Apr 9 – Apr 23), New Zealand Spinach (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Peanut (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Swiss Chard (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Watercress (Apr 9 – Apr 23), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Cucumber (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Pumpkin (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Sunflower (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Watermelon (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Winter Squash (Apr 16 – Apr 30), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 16 – Apr 30).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Vermont’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.