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Here is exactly what you can plant outdoors in April in a cold climate – even with frost still possible:

• Spinach
• Peas
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Arugula
• Turnips
• Green onions
• Hardy herbs

These crops germinate in cold soil and grow well before summer heat arrives. If your soil is workable and above 4°C (39°F), you can start now. For warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers: April is the time to start them indoors, not outside. See the full indoor seed starting guide

If you want an overview of the entire season, see our Cold Climate Planting Calendar.

April Planting Checklist for Cold Climate Gardens

Use this quick checklist to start planting successfully in early spring.

✔ Sow cold-tolerant crops such as spinach, peas, and lettuce

✔ Plant fast-growing vegetables like radishes and arugula

✔ Choose raised beds or well-drained soil to help warm the ground faster

✔ Protect young seedlings from frost with row covers or cloches

✔ Keep soil evenly moist during germination

✔ Watch soil temperatures, as early spring weather can change quickly

This simple checklist helps gardeners begin the growing season successfully in cold climates.

Why April Planting Works in Cold Climate Gardens

April is the trickiest month for cold climate gardeners. Warm days can give way to overnight frost, and soil temperatures are often still too cold for warm-season crops. The key is to focus on what actually thrives in these conditions rather than fighting them.

Common conditions include:

• cold soil temperatures
• occasional frost
• cool daytime temperatures

Because of this, April planting focuses on cold-tolerant vegetables that germinate in cool soil and grow well in early spring.

Many gardeners also begin starting seeds indoors during this time.
For detailed instructions, see our guide to seed starting in cold climates.

Vegetables You Can Plant in April

A surprising number of vegetables not only tolerate April conditions but actually prefer them. Cool soil and mild temperatures are ideal for these crops, and many will bolt or lose quality once summer heat arrives.

Common April crops include:

• spinach
• peas
• radish
• lettuce
• carrots
• turnips

These vegetables are often called cool-season crops because they grow best before summer heat arrives.

Peas are one of the best crops to sow in April in cold climates – the soil is cool enough for germination and plants establish quickly. Full guide: Growing Peas

Leafy greens are especially reliable in early spring.
You can learn more in our guide to leafy greens in a cold climate garden.

Seedlings started in April will be ready for hardening off in May before transplanting outdoors. How to Harden Off Seedlings in Cold Climates →

Root Vegetables for Early Spring Planting

Root vegetables are among the best crops to start in April in cold climates. Because they develop underground, they are less exposed to frost and grow steadily even when air temperatures are still cool.

Examples include:

• carrots
• beets
• radishes
• turnips

These crops develop underground and tolerate cool temperatures well.

Root crops are also ideal for northern gardens because they grow steadily during the cool early season.

For more detailed guidance, see our article on growing root vegetables in cold climates.

Vegetables to Start Indoors in April

April is one of the most important months for indoor seed starting in cold climates. Crops that need a long growing season, but cannot be planted outside yet, should be started now so they are ready to transplant when the weather allows.

These include:

• cabbage
• broccoli
• kale
• onions

Starting these crops indoors in April means they will be strong, established seedlings by the time outdoor conditions are suitable in May or June. This is one of the most effective ways to extend the productive season in a short-summer climate.

Preparing Garden Soil in April

April is also an important month for preparing the garden.

Before planting, focus on:

• loosening compacted soil
• improving drainage
• adding compost or organic matter

Healthy soil warms faster and supports stronger plant growth.

For a full guide, see our article on soil preparation for cold climate gardening.

Protecting Early Spring Crops

Early spring vegetables may still experience frost or cold nights.

Gardeners often protect crops using:

• row covers
• cold frames
• low tunnels

These simple tools help protect young plants and extend the growing season.

You can learn more about these techniques in our guide to season extension for cold climate gardening.

Quick April Planting Checklist

In April you can:

• prepare garden beds
• plant cold-tolerant vegetables
• start seeds indoors
• protect crops from frost

Starting in April, even cautiously, gives you a meaningful head start on the short growing season ahead.

Continue Planning Your Garden

As soil temperatures rise through April and into May, the pace of the garden changes quickly. Seedlings that seemed slow to start will suddenly take off, and more planting options open up.

If you are building a full planting schedule, these guides will help you plan the rest of the season:

• What to Plant in May
• What to Plant in June
• What to Plant in July
• What to Plant in August
• What to Plant in September

You can also explore our full cold climate planting calendar for a month-by-month overview of what to plant throughout the growing season.