I’ve used the USDA Hardiness Zone Map extensively in my gardening journey and always recommend others do the same. It’s a powerful tool that can truly transform your planting decisions.
And yes, today’s guide is all about that! Let’s explore what vegetables you can grow in April according to your USDA zone—whether you’re in chilly northern areas or enjoying the warmth down south.
What To Grow in April – Zone-Wise Vegetable Planting Guide
Zones 1–3 (Very Cold Climates)
Start Indoors: Tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and peppers.
Because of the harsh cold, starting seeds indoors is the safest option. These veggies benefit from a longer growing season, and getting them started inside helps ensure they’re strong and ready when the weather warms up.
Direct Sow Outdoors: Kale, spinach, and radishes.
These hardy crops can tolerate lower temperatures if the soil is workable. Just be cautious—young plants are still sensitive to deep freezes, so timing is everything.
Zones 4–5 (Cool Climates)
Start Indoors: Squash, eggplants, pumpkins, and cucumbers.
In these zones, April is still on the chilly side. Warm-season crops like these will need indoor care first before making the move outside later in spring.
Direct Sow Outdoors: Beets, carrots, lettuce, Swiss chard, and peas.
These vegetables do well when directly planted into cool soils. They’re reliable and hardy enough to thrive even before full warmth sets in.
Zones 6–7 (Mild Climates)
Start Indoors: Okra, melons, and hot peppers.
Even in milder areas, some heat-loving crops still need an early indoor start so they can fully mature once transplanted outside.
Direct Sow Outdoors: Corn, beans, cabbage, zucchini, and herbs.
These zones offer more flexibility. You can safely sow many vegetables directly into prepared garden beds—just keep an eye out for any late frosts.
Zones 8–9 (Warm Climates)
Direct Sow Outdoors: Watermelon, basil, sweet potatoes, and peppers.
With temperatures rising, focus on crops that love the heat. These vegetables thrive in warmth and are well-suited for direct sowing.
Try Succession Planting: Cucumbers, beans, and corn.
To enjoy continuous harvests, plant new batches of these crops every few weeks throughout the season.
Zones 10–13 (Hot & Tropical Climates)
Direct Sow Outdoors: Eggplant, okra, sweet potatoes, and hot peppers.
These heat-tolerant crops are perfect for hot zones and won’t mind the soaring temperatures.
Grow in Partial Shade: Arugula, spinach, and lettuce.
While sunlight is key, some leafy greens actually prefer partial shade in hot regions to prevent wilting and bolting.
Year-Round Growers: Basil, tomatoes, herbs, and peppers.
If you’re in these zones, you can grow these favorites almost any time of year. With proper care, they’ll reward you with fresh produce no matter the season.