What to plant in April, zone 4a

In zone 4a, the typical last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28. Here is your April checklist.

Start indoors

Start these indoors this month:

CucumberApril 14
LettuceMarch 31 to April 7
MarigoldMarch 31 to April 14
SpinachMarch 31 to April 7
Swiss ChardMarch 31 to April 7
TomatoMarch 31 to April 7

Transplant outdoors

Move these out to the garden this month:

BroccoliApril 21 to April 28
CabbageApril 21 to April 28
CauliflowerApril 28 to May 5
CollardsApril 28
KaleApril 7 to April 14

Direct sow

Sow these straight into the ground this month:

BeetApril 21 to April 28
BroccoliApril 21 to April 28
CabbageApril 21 to April 28
CarrotApril 21 to April 28
CauliflowerApril 28 to May 5
CollardsApril 21
KaleApril 7 to April 14
LettuceApril 21 to April 28
ParsnipApril 21 to April 28
PotatoApril 21 to April 28
RadishApril 21 to April 28
SpinachApril 14 to April 21
Swiss ChardApril 14 to April 21

Want your exact dates?

These are zone 4a averages. Enter your ZIP for a calendar built on your nearest weather station.

Open the planting calendar

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2023. USDA Agricultural Research Service / Oregon State University PRISM Group. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Zone dates are medians; local conditions vary.