Here in Texas we’re past the last frost date and gardening is in full swing. If you’re wondering what to plant in April for your region, this guide lays out practical options by growing zone so you can get planting with confidence.
April is one of my favorite months: March plantings are growing well, we’re already harvesting spinach, kale and lettuce, and many beds are filled for the season. This year I planted a larger strawberry patch and I’m excited to enjoy the harvest next spring. Growing strawberries in warm climates can require slightly different timing and care than in northern regions, but with a few adjustments most varieties do well.
Last month I focused on getting the garden ready for spring and planting onions. If you haven’t started onions yet, check your local frost date — there may still be time in some zones. Below you’ll find a zone-by-zone list of vegetables and herbs suited for April planting. Use it to choose what fits your garden space and schedule.
What to Plant In April
What To Plant In Zones 3-4
Vegetables
*Varieties marked with an asterisk can be started indoors in early April and moved outside in late April, depending on your local last frost date.
Plant Indoors:
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Broccoli*
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage*
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chinese cabbage
- Kale
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
Plant Outdoors (check local last frost date):
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collards
- Onions
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Melon (direct seed)
- Microgreens
- Mustard
- Peas
- Radicchio
- Radish
- Rutabaga
- Salad greens
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Herbs (see list below)
Herbs (start indoors)
- Basil
- Catnip
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Dill
- Fennel
- Lemon balm
- Lemongrass
- Thyme
What to Plant In Zones 5-6
Vegetables
Varieties marked with an asterisk can be started indoors early in April and transplanted outside after the last frost.
Start Indoors:
- Broccoli*
- Brussels sprouts*
- Cabbage*
- Cauliflower*
Plant Outdoors (check local frost date):
- Arugula
- Asian greens
- Asparagus
- Broccoli*
- Broccoli raab
- Brussels sprouts*
- Cabbage*
- Carrots
- Cauliflower*
- Celery
- Chinese cabbage
- Collards
- Endive
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mesclun
- Microgreens
- Mustard
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Rutabaga
- Salad greens
- Scallions
- Shallots
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
Herbs
Sow outdoors:
- Fennel
What to Plant in Zones 7-8
Vegetables
Transplants to set outdoors:
- Artichoke
- Arugula
- Asian greens
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peppers
- Scallions
- Shallots
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
Direct sow outdoors:
- Arugula
- Beans
- Beets
- Broccoli raab
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Collards
- Corn
- Cowpeas
- Cucumbers
- Endive
- Honeydew
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Melon (direct seed)
- Mesclun
- Microgreens
- Mustard
- Okra
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radicchio
- Radish
- Rhubarb
- Rutabaga
- Salad greens
- Scallions
- Soybeans
- Spinach
- Squash
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
Herbs
Transplant outdoors:
- Basil
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Dill
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Lemongrass
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Stevia
- Thyme
Direct sow outdoors:
- Basil
- Borage
- Cat grass
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Dill
- Fennel
- Oregano
What To Plant in Zones 9-10
Vegetables
Transplant outdoors:
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
Direct sow outdoors:
- Beans
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Cowpeas
- Cucumbers
- Endive
- Melon (direct seed)
- Okra
- Pumpkins
- Soybeans
- Squash
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
- Herbs (see lists below)
Herbs — Transplant outdoors:
- Basil
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Dill
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Stevia
- Thyme
- Lemon verbena
Herbs — Direct sow outdoors:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Dill
- Oregano
- Parsley
There are plenty of vegetables and herbs suited to April planting across zones. You don’t need to plant them all — choose the crops that match your taste, space and the time you can commit. Prioritize succession sowing for leafy greens and quick crops like radishes and lettuce to keep harvests steady.
If you like planning on paper, a simple garden planner helps map beds, track planting dates and rotations. Pick the items from the lists above that fit your garden and timeline, and get planting — April is a productive month in most regions.