The Seasonal Planting Calendar: When to Plant What

Timing is the single biggest factor in gardening success — here's how to think about it.

Know your last frost date first

Your local last frost date is the anchor for nearly all outdoor planting decisions — starting too early risks losing tender plants to a late frost.

Cool-season vs. warm-season crops

Crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas tolerate cool weather and can go in earlier; tomatoes, peppers, and squash need warm soil and should wait until well after the last frost.

Starting seeds indoors extends your options

Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date gives slower-growing plants like tomatoes and peppers a head start on the season.

Succession planting keeps your garden productive

Planting quick-growing crops like lettuce or radishes in staggered batches rather than all at once gives you a continuous harvest instead of one big glut.

Your exact calendar depends on your zone

Use the planner tool above with your specific size and experience level for a plant list and schedule suited to your space.