What to plant in April in zone 4

Last chance in April

Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Basil (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 19) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 19) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 19)

Sow or plant outdoors in April (65)

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 (31)

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

Last-frost month: April garden jobs in zone 4

1. The average last frost is May 10. 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 Zone 4 average is worked out.

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