USDA Zone 4 · Cold — long winters, short growing season
Zone 4 April Planting Guide
April in USDA Zone 4 means the ground is thawing but hard frosts are still likely, so focus on cold-tolerant crops and indoor seed starting. Use this shoulder-season window wisely to get a head start before the brief but productive growing season kicks off.
🌱 Plant now
Peas
Direct sow as soon as soil is workable — they germinate in cold soil and tolerate light frost.
Spinach
Sow directly outdoors; it thrives in cool temps and can handle a freeze down to 20°F.
Onion Seeds & Sets
Plant sets or transplants now; onions are frost-hardy and benefit from the long cool spring.
Tomatoes (indoors)
Start seeds inside 6–8 weeks before last frost (late May–June) under grow lights for strong transplants.
Kale
Direct sow or transplant seedlings outdoors — kale is one of the hardiest brassicas for Zone 4 springs.
🚫 Avoid this month
Basil
Extremely frost-sensitive; even a light frost will kill seedlings, and soil is still too cold for roots.
Cucumbers
Require warm soil (60°F+) and air temps to thrive — planting now risks rot and stunted growth.
Peppers (outdoors)
Need long warm seasons and soil above 65°F; transplanting outside in April will stunt or kill them.
🐛 Pest alert
Watch for early-emerging cutworms as soil warms — they sever seedlings at the base overnight. Place cardboard collars around transplants and consider diatomaceous earth around bed edges. Aphids may also appear on indoor starts, so inspect undersides of leaves weekly and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
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