April often brings peak spring planting, but the safe date for tender crops varies greatly across the United States. Follow your local last-frost date, USDA zone, and actual soil warmth rather than the calendar alone.

Start indoors in April

Start cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and melons only 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting, because they outgrow containers quickly. In colder zones, tomatoes, peppers, and basil may still need indoor time until nights are reliably mild.

Plant outdoors: cool & northern regions (zones 3–6)

In zones 3 to 6, continue sowing peas, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, potatoes, and greens as soil becomes workable. Transplant hardened-off onions and brassicas, but wait on beans, tomatoes, peppers, and squash until frost danger has passed and soil is warmer.

Plant outdoors: warm & southern regions (zones 7–10)

In zones 7 to 10, plant beans, corn, cucumbers, squash, melons, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and sweet potatoes when local temperatures are suitable. Succession-sow beans and basil, and harvest or replace cool-season crops as heat causes them to bolt.

Garden tasks for April

Harden off indoor seedlings gradually before transplanting. Mulch after the soil warms, keep row cover ready for late cold snaps, and begin regular weeding while weeds are small.

Regional guidance for US home gardens; always adjust to your own last and first frost dates. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.