What to plant in April in zone 5

Last chance in April

Basil (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Collard Greens (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Endive & Escarole (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Kohlrabi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Malabar Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Okra (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Radicchio (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Summer Savory (start seeds indoors, by Apr 2) · Bitter Melon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Cucamelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Fennel (Bulb) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Lettuce (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Napa Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · New Zealand Spinach (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Peanut (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Swiss Chard (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Watercress (start seeds indoors, by Apr 9) · Mache (Corn Salad) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Pea (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Spinach (direct sow (spring), by Apr 9) · Green Onion / Scallion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 12) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 16)

Sow or plant outdoors in April (85)

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.

Last-frost month: April garden jobs in zone 5

1. The average last frost is April 30. 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 5 average is worked out.

Questions gardeners ask