What Vegetables to Plant in April per USDA Hardiness Zone

Welcome to the exciting world of April vegetable gardening! As we bid farewell to the chill of winter and welcome the warmth of spring, it’s the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty in the soil. In this guide, we’ll explore what vegetables to plant in April, including what grows from seeds indoors, what seeds to start outdoors, and what seedlings to transfer outside. All are tailored to your specific USDA Hardiness Zone.

Understanding Your USDA Hardiness Zone

Finding Your USDA Hardiness Zone

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into 13 distinct zones based on average annual minimum temperatures. This helps gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive in their specific climate. And if you are still not aware, the zones changed last year, in 2023.

Our online tool can help you identify your USDA Hardiness Zone. Simply enter your zip code below to discover which zone you belong to.

Enter Zip Code:

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, 2023. Data was created by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University

Understanding your zone is crucial for successful gardening. It ensures you select plants that can withstand your area’s temperature range, increasing the likelihood of a bountiful harvest.

Best Vegetables and Herbs to Grow From Seeds and Seedlings to Transfer Outside in April

The following table summarizes the best approach to what vegetables to plant in April, including what grows from seeds indoors, what seeds to start outdoors, and what seedlings to transfer outside, based on USDA hardiness zones.

Let’s keep in mind that some vegetables are recommended always to start indoors (such as tomatoes), while others are the best to start outside (such as cucumbers). The chart may be adjusted as your local conditions may vary. However, I believe the following table is a good point to get you started:

USDA Zone	Start Seeds Indoors	Start Seeds Outdoors	Transfer Seedlings Outside
Zone 1	Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Celery	Peas, Radishes, Turnips	Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts
Zone 2	Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Celery	Carrots, Beets, Turnips	Swiss Chard, Onions, Leeks, Brussels Sprouts
Zone 3	Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley	Cucumbers, Zucchini, Pumpkins	Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Eggplant
Zone 4	Pumpkins, Squash	Corn, Beans, Peas	Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Eggplant
Zone 5	Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Basil	Beets, Carrots, Lettuce, Radishes	Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts
Zone 6	Chives, Sage, Rosemary, Basil	Radishes, Turnips, Beets	Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Swiss Chard, Cabbage
Zone 7	Cilantro, Tarragon, Chervil, Basil	Peas, Spinach, Lettuce	Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumbers
Zone 8	Mint, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Basil	Beans, Corn, Peas	Cucumbers, Squash, Zucchini
Zone 9	Cumin, Fennel, Marjoram, Basil	Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Beans	Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Tomatoes
Zone 10	Lemongrass, Ginger, Turmeric, Basil	Peanuts, Sweet Potatoes, Beans	Basil, Mint, Oregano, Tomatoes
Zone 11	Lemongrass, Ginger, Turmeric, Basil	Beans	Basil, Mint, Oregano, Tomatoes
Zone 12	Lemongrass, Ginger, Turmeric, Basil	Beans	Basil, Mint, Oregano, Tomatoes

Herbs and Vegetables Garden Growing Tips

Let’s see a few gardening tips for herb and vegetable seeds you can start in April according to your growing zone.

herbs and vegetables to plant in april growing tips — *Save these pins and return easily to this gardening guide*

herbs and vegetable seeds to start in april according to your growing zone — *Save these pins and return easily to this gardening guide*

Basil

Soil Temperature: 70-90°F (21-32°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny; can be grown in containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Genovese, Sweet Thai, Lemon.

Beans

Soil Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny; in-ground or container gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 45-60 days for bush beans and 60-90 days for pole beans.
Varieties to Grow: Provider (bush), Blue Lake (pole).

Beets

Soil Temperature: 50-80°F (10-27°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-70 days.
Varieties to Grow: Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia, Golden.

Bell Peppers

Soil Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny; in-ground or container gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: California Wonder, Sweet Chocolate, Orange Sun.

Broccoli

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Calabrese, Belstar, Di Cicco.

Recommended reading: How to Grow Broccoli: Gardening Guide

Brussels Sprouts

Soil Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Long Island Improved, Churchill.

Cabbage

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 70-100 days.
Varieties to Grow: Early Jersey Wakefield, Red Express, Savoy Ace.

Carrots

Soil Temperature: 45-85°F (7-29°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 70-80 days.
Varieties to Grow: Danvers, Nantes, Cosmic Purple.

Cauliflower

Soil Temperature: 50-80°F (10-27°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 55-100 days.
Varieties to Grow: Snowball, Purple of Sicily, Cheddar.

Celery

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 100-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Tall Utah, Golden Pascal, Tango.

Chervil

Soil Temperature: 55-70°F (13-21°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days.
Varieties to Grow: Curled, Plain Leaf.

Chives

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Sunny to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 80-100 days.
Varieties to Grow: Common Chives, Garlic Chives.

Cilantro

Soil Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade to full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 45-70 days.
Varieties to Grow: Santo, Calypso, Slow Bolt.

Corn

Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-100 days, depending on variety.
Varieties to Grow: Silver Queen (sweet corn), Ambrosia (bi-color corn).

Cucumbers

Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-70 days.
Varieties to Grow: Straight Eight, Marketmore, Lemon.

Cumin

Soil Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Cuminum cyminum.

Dill

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 40-60 days.
Varieties to Grow: Bouquet, Fernleaf, Mammoth.

Eggplant

Soil Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 70-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Black Beauty, Japanese, Fairy Tale.

Recommended reading: Growing Eggplant Guide: Plant, Care, and Harvest

Fennel

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 80-100 days.
Varieties to Grow: Florence, Bronze, Zefa Fino.

Ginger

Soil Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 8-10 months.
Varieties to Grow: Zingiber officinale.

Kale

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-80 days.
Varieties to Grow: Lacinato, Red Russian, Dwarf Blue Curled.

Lavender

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas).

Leeks

Soil Temperature: 55-75°F (13-24°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 100-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: American Flag, King Richard, Tadorna.

Lemongrass

Soil Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Cymbopogon citratus.

Lettuce

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade to full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 30-70 days, depending on variety.
Varieties to Grow: Butterhead, Romaine, Looseleaf.

Marjoram

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 70-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Pot Marjoram (Origanum onites).

Mint

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Spearmint, Peppermint, Chocolate Mint.

Recommended reading: How to Grow and Propagate Mint from Stolons

Oregano

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 80-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum), Italian Oregano (Origanum vulgare).

Okra

Soil Temperature: 70-90°F (21-32°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-65 days.
Varieties to Grow: Clemson Spineless, Emerald, Annie Oakley.

Recommended reading: How to Grow Okra in Containers: Tips and Tricks

Onions

Soil Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 80-120 days, depending on type.
Varieties to Grow: Red, Yellow, White, Sweet.

Parsley

Soil Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade to full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 70-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Flat-leaf (Italian), Curly.

Peanuts

Soil Temperature: 70-90°F (21-32°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 120-150 days.
Varieties to Grow: Virginia, Spanish, Valencia.

Peas

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 55-70 days.
Varieties to Grow: Sugar Snap, English (Garden) Peas, Snow Peas.

Pumpkins

Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 80-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Jack O’Lantern, Sugar Pie, Cinderella.

Radishes

Soil Temperature: 45-75°F (7-24°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 20-30 days.
Varieties to Grow: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Easter Egg.

Rosemary

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Tuscan Blue, Arp, Barbecue.

Sage

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days.
Varieties to Grow: Common Sage, Purple Sage, Golden Sage.

Spinach

Soil Temperature: 35-75°F (2-24°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade to full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 35-50 days.
Varieties to Grow: Bloomsdale, Baby Spinach, Tyee.

Squash

Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Butternut.

Sweet Potatoes

Soil Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening.
Light: 8-10 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 90-170 days.
Varieties to Grow: Beauregard, Georgia Jet, Covington.

Swiss Chard

Soil Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade to full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 50-60 days.
Varieties to Grow: Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant, Rainbow.

Tarragon

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: French Tarragon, Russian Tarragon.

Thyme

Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days.
Varieties to Grow: Common Thyme, Lemon Thyme, English Thyme.

Tomatoes

Soil Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 60-85 days.
Varieties to Grow: Beefsteak, Cherry, San Marzano

Turnips

Soil Temperature: 50-80°F (10-27°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun to partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 40-60 days.
Varieties to Grow: Purple Top White Globe, Tokyo Cross, Scarlet Queen.

Turmeric

Soil Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
Preferred Location: Partial shade; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 8-10 months.
Varieties to Grow: Curcuma longa.

Zucchini

Soil Temperature: 60-95°F (15-35°C)
Preferred Location: Full sun; in-ground gardening or containers.
Light: 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Days to Maturity: 40-60 days.
Varieties to Grow: Black Beauty, Grey, Yellow Crookneck.

Preparing for Planting

Once you know what vegetables to plant in April, let’s move to the gardening tips I want to be sure you know before starting.

Preparing for planting involves several best practices to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants, whether you’re starting seeds indoors or directly sowing them outside.

Soil Preparation Tips

Before planting, it’s crucial to prepare your soil to provide a nurturing environment for your plants.

Start by ensuring your soil is well-drained, loose, and rich in organic matter. Proper soil structure promotes healthy root development and allows your plants to uptake water and nutrients efficiently.

Consider conducting a soil test to assess the pH level and what type of soil you have (do you need to amend it?). That is key to optimizing plant growth.

If your soil test reveals imbalances in pH or nutrient levels, consider amending the soil accordingly. Particularly for sandy and clay soil, I suggest reading our guides before planting to learn why you should amend your soil and how to do it right. Just follow the links. How to amend clay soil and how to amend sandy soil. Adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold can improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity. Additionally, incorporating lime or sulfur can help adjust soil pH to the optimal range for your plants.

For those starting seeds indoors, choose a high-quality seed starting mix or potting soil that is sterile, lightweight, and well-draining. Avoid using garden soil for indoor seed starting, as it may contain pests, diseases, or weed seeds that could harm delicate seedlings.

When directly sowing seeds outside, prepare the planting area by clearing away any debris, weeds, or rocks that may impede plant growth. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen compacted soil and incorporate organic matter into the top few inches of soil. This helps improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability for emerging seedlings.

By properly preparing your soil before planting, you create a solid foundation for healthy plant growth and a successful gardening season, whether you’re starting seeds indoors or directly sowing outside.

Choosing Quality Seeds

Selecting high-quality seeds from reputable suppliers is essential for successful germination and healthy plant growth. When starting a vegetable garden for the first time, deciding what type of seeds to buy – heirlooms or hybrids – can seem overwhelming. As much as you can, I suggest looking for seeds that are labeled as organic, non-GMO, and suited to your specific USDA Hardiness Zone, particularly when growing vegetables.

However, hybrid vegetable seeds and non-GMO are a great option to avoid plant diseases and have a great harvest. I recommended learning more before you choose your vegetable seeds in my recent article about Unveiling the Difference Between Heirloom and Hybrid Seeds

How to Start Vegetables from Seeds

Don’t miss our guide to learn How to Start Seeds Indoors.

Planning Your Garden Layout

Take time to plan your garden layout, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, spacing requirements, and companion planting. By strategically arranging your vegetables, you can maximize yields and minimize the risk of pests and diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Vegetables in April

Can I start planting seeds indoors before transferring them outside?

Starting seeds indoors can be a great way to get a head start on the growing season and ensure strong, healthy plants. However, not all vegetables are suitable for starting indoors and then transplanting outside. Some vegetables have delicate root systems or do not transplant well, making it best to sow their seeds directly into the final growing location. Here is a list of vegetables that are generally not recommended to start indoors and then transplant outside:
Carrots
Radishes
Turnips
Beets
Parsnips
Rutabagas
Corn
Peas
Beans (especially pole beans)
Squash (including zucchini, pumpkin, and winter squash)
Cucumbers
Melons
Watermelons
These vegetables prefer to be sown directly into the ground as they have sensitive root systems that can be easily disturbed during transplanting. Additionally, they tend to grow quickly and do not benefit significantly from an early start indoors. Therefore, it’s best to sow these seeds directly into the final growing location once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed.

Is it too late to start planting if April has already begun?

Not at all! While earlier planting offers certain advantages, there’s still plenty of time to sow seeds and enjoy a productive growing season. Just be mindful of your region’s climate and select vegetables that can thrive in current conditions.

Should I be concerned about frost after planting seeds in April?

Frost can still pose a risk in many regions during April. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to protect tender seedlings with row covers or cloches if necessary. If you have an unexpected frost, head to our guide to learn how to protect plants from frost.

Final Thoughts About What Vegetables to Plant in April

As April ushers in the promise of a new growing season, it’s time to embrace the opportunity to plant and nurture our own vegetable gardens. By understanding your USDA Hardiness Zone and selecting the right vegetables to sow from seeds, you can set yourself up for a successful harvest. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get planting!

I’m sure you will find this post about what vegetables to plant in April, including what seeds to start indoors and what seeds to start outdoors, per USDA Hardiness Zone, a good resource. Sharing is caring, and it’s always appreciated.