What to plant in April in West Virginia

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.

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.

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 West Virginia

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

Last-frost month: April garden jobs in West Virginia

1. 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.
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 West Virginia average is worked out.

USDA zone chart for West Virginia

West Virginia spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. 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