April garden tasks: Pacific Northwest
April in the Pacific Northwest brings the first reliable dry spells in Western Oregon and Washington, though the reliable dry period doesn't fully arrive until June. Average rainfall in Portland is 3.4 inches in April versus 1.0 inch in July -- the drying trend begins, but it's not dry yet. That.
April in the Pacific Northwest brings the first reliable dry spells in Western Oregon and Washington, though the reliable dry period doesn't fully arrive until June. Average rainfall in Portland is 3.4 inches in April versus 1.0 inch in July — the drying trend begins, but it's not dry yet. That transition matters for how you manage soil, irrigation, and disease.
Per Oregon State Extension, average last frost dates: Portland March 21, Seattle March 24, Willamette Valley lowlands March 20. By April 1, most PNW lowland gardens are frost-free, though late frosts are possible through April in inland valleys and higher elevations.
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Cool-season crops at peak production
April is the prime cool-season growing month in the PNW. Per WSU Extension, these crops are performing best now:
- Overwintered kale, leeks, and spinach from fall planting are ready for heavy harvest
- Direct-sown spring peas are up and growing vigorously
- Lettuce and salad greens planted in March are approaching harvest size
April succession sowing (cool-season):
- Sow lettuce every 2—3 weeks for continuous harvest; April sowings produce June—July harvests before heat ends the season
- Succession sow spinach, radishes, and cilantro through mid-April; heat will bolt them by May—June in most of the PNW
- Sow beets and carrots for July harvest; these take 60—75 days from sowing