When to Plant?

When to Plant Your Vegetable Seeds

The best way to know when to plant your vegetable seeds is by using your local frost dates rather than fixed calendar dates. This approach works in every growing zone and gives the most reliable results.

Two dates matter most:

  • Last Spring Frost Date – when it’s safe to plant warm-season crops

  • First Fall Frost Date – when cold weather returns

Planting times are listed below as weeks before or after your last frost date.

Cool-Season Crops (Plant Early)

Plant 4–6 weeks before your last spring frost:

  • Lettuce varieties

  • Spinach

  • Swiss Chard

  • Mustard Greens

  • Collard Greens

  • Carrots

  • Beets

  • Radishes

  • Sugar Snap Peas

Warm-Season Crops (Plant After Frost)

Plant after all danger of frost has passed:

  • Beans

  • Cucumbers

  • Zucchini & Summer Squash

  • Pumpkins

  • Melons

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

Warm-season crops are sensitive to cold and grow best once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F.

Fall Planting Tip

Many cool-season crops can be planted again for a fall harvest. Count backward from your first fall frost date and plant leafy greens and radishes 6–10 weeks before frost.