What to plant in April in zone 6
USDA zone 6 has winter lows of -10 to 0°F, a typical last spring frost around Apr 15 and first fall frost around Oct 15, roughly 185 frost-free days. April is the "main planting month" there.
90 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion - and 59 of those windows close during April.
Dates come from the typical frost dates of USDA zone 6 (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 15). A zone covers many climates, so for dates tuned to your town use the planting calendar, or pick your state below.
Zone 6: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Cucumber (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Pumpkin (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Sunflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Watermelon (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Winter Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Zucchini / Summer Squash (start seeds indoors, by Apr 1) · Arugula (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Beet (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Fava Bean (Broad Bean) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Green Onion / Scallion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Mizuna (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Onion (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Radish (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Shallot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Tatsoi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 1) · Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Collard Greens (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Horseradish (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 4) · Kale (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Kohlrabi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Onion (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Rhubarb (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 4) · Shallot (transplant outdoors, by Apr 4) · Carrot (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Chervil (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Endive & Escarole (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Kohlrabi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Lettuce (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Mustard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Rapini (Broccoli Raab) (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Turnip (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Watercress (direct sow (spring), by Apr 8) · Asparagus (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Broccoli (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Brussels Sprouts (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Cauliflower (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Chives (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Endive & Escarole (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Leek (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Lettuce (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Napa Cabbage (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Parsley (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Radicchio (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Sorrel (plant crowns / divisions, by Apr 11) · Swiss Chard (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Watercress (transplant outdoors, by Apr 11) · Bok Choy / Pak Choi (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Borage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Cilantro / Coriander (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Collard Greens (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Kale (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Leek (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Napa Cabbage (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Parsley (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Potato (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Radicchio (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15) · Salsify (direct sow (spring), by Apr 15)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (121)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 13 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Mar 18 – Apr 4 | Last chance - ends Apr 4 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 20 – Apr 8 | Last chance - ends Apr 8 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Mar 25 – Apr 11 | Last chance - ends Apr 11 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Mar 27 – Apr 15 | Last chance - ends Apr 15 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Globe Artichoke | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Lemon Balm | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Mint | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Tarragon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 1 – Apr 18 | Apr 1 – Apr 18 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Lemon Balm | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Parsnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 3 – Apr 22 | Apr 3 – Apr 22 |
| Celeriac | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Celery | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Oregano | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Sage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Thyme | Transplant outdoors | Apr 8 – Apr 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 25 |
| Dill | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Sunflower | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 10 – Apr 29 | Apr 10 – Apr 29 |
| Ground Cherry | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Peanut | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Pumpkin | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Rosemary | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Summer Savory | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sunflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Tomatillo | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Tomato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Winter Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Transplant outdoors | Apr 15 – May 2 | Opens Apr 15 |
| Amaranth (Leaf) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Bush Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Edamame (Soybean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Pole Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Pumpkin | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Summer Savory | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Sweet Corn | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Winter Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 17 – May 6 | Opens Apr 17 |
| Basil | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bell Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Bitter Melon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Chili Pepper | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cucamelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Cucumber | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Malabar Spinach | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Okra | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Watermelon | Transplant outdoors | Apr 22 – May 9 | Opens Apr 22 |
| Basil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Bitter Melon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Chayote | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cucamelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Cucumber | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Lima Bean | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Malabar Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Okra | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Peanut | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Southern Pea (Cowpea) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Watermelon | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 24 – May 13 | Opens Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Ginger | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Sweet Potato | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
| Turmeric | Transplant outdoors | Apr 29 – May 16 | Opens Apr 29 |
Start seeds indoors in April (7)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Last chance - ends Apr 1 |
Harvesting in April
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Main planting month: April garden jobs in zone 6
- With the average last frost on April 15, 87 crops can go in outdoors this month, including arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion.
- Transplant on a cloudy afternoon and water in well - see transplanting seedlings without shock.
- Once the soil has warmed, lay mulch around established plants to hold moisture and smother weeds.
- Sow quick crops little and often - lettuce, radish and beans every two to three weeks give a steady harvest instead of a glut (succession planting).
Questions gardeners ask
What can I plant in zone 6 in April?
90 crops have a window in April: arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), green onion / scallion, mizuna, onion, radish, shallot, tatsoi, cabbage and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
When are the last and first frost in zone 6?
The typical last spring frost is around Apr 15 and the first fall frost around Oct 15. These are broad zone averages, so your own town can be a week or two either side: look yours up by ZIP code in the planting calendar.
What should I start indoors in zone 6 in April?
Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Cucumber (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Pumpkin (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Sunflower (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Watermelon (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Winter Squash (Mar 18 – Apr 1), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Mar 18 – Apr 1).
April in states with land in zone 6
Zone 6 in other months
What to plant in April in other zones
Dates are computed from the zone’s typical frost dates and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side.