Zone 5 Gardening: What to Plant in April

Spring has finally arrived here in Zone 5, and if you’re anything like me, you’re itching to get your hands in the dirt! April is when the gardening season really starts to wake up. Even though we still see chilly nights and the occasional frost, there’s plenty we can do to jumpstart a bountiful growing season.

Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned homesteader, here’s what you can plant in April in Zone 5 to get a head start on your garden—and make the most of our shorter growing season.

🌱 Cool-Weather Crops to Direct Sow in April

By mid to late April, the soil begins to warm enough to direct sow some hardy vegetables. These crops thrive in cooler weather and can handle a light frost.

Here’s a list of seeds to direct sow now:

• Peas – Snap, snow, or shelling peas are perfect for early planting. Use a trellis or fence for support.
• Spinach – A quick grower that loves cool temps and will bolt in the heat. Harvest baby leaves early or let it mature.
• Radishes – Fast-growing and satisfying! Great for kids to plant and harvest.
• Carrots – Growing carrots takes a little bit longer, but they love cool weather. Just be patient with germination.
• Beets – Another root crop that does well in spring. Both roots and greens are edible.
• Turnips – Fast to mature and ideal for soups, stews, and roasting.
• Lettuce & Salad Greens – Choose loose-leaf varieties for a continual harvest.

→ Don’t forget about planting seed potatoes and strawberry plants too!

🌱 Transplant Hardy Seedlings

If you’ve started seeds indoors (or picked some up from your local nursery), you can begin transplanting hardy vegetables outdoors toward the end of April—just be prepared to cover them if a cold snap hits.

Make sure your seedlings are well-hardened off before transplanting—that means slowly acclimating them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

Related: Gardening with Transplants

🌿 Herbs to Start Indoors or Under Cover

Herbs love warmth, so while it’s a bit early to put most of them directly in the garden, you can get a head start with a few hardy ones.

🌼 Bonus: Get Your Flower Garden Going

Don’t forget your beneficial companion flowers!

For the most part, I love to direct sow flowers in the garden. Things like sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos are super easy to start from seed. But we have to wait until after the last frost date to get these going.

These flowers not only brighten your garden but help attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your veggies.

Related: Growing a Cut Flower Garden in Raised Beds

🌿 April Garden Chores in Zone 5

While you’re planting, don’t forget to check off a few other key tasks:

• Clean up raised beds and remove any leftover debris from fall.
• Add compost and amend soil before planting.
• Prune back perennials and fruit trees (if not already done).
• Mulch garlic and overwintered crops.
• Prepare trellises and support structures now, while beds are still accessible.
• Spend time loving on the homestead animals.

Final Tips for April Gardening in Zone 5

• Watch the weather: April can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on overnight temps and be ready to cover young plants with row covers or frost cloth.
• Use succession planting: Stagger planting dates for lettuce, radishes, and other fast growers to enjoy harvests all season long.
• Don’t rush warm-weather crops: Resist the urge to plant tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers just yet—those will need to wait until danger of frost has passed, usually mid-May.

Ready to Grow?

April is a month of promise and potential. With a little planning and a willingness to brave some brisk mornings, you can plant a garden that will nourish your family and bring joy all summer long.

→ What’s going in your garden this month? Share with us in the comments below—we’d love to cheer you on!