Planting Calendars
These calendars provide general timelines for vegetable gardens across all climates. Always adjust based on your specific microclimate and local frost dates for the most accurate timing.
Zones 1–2 (Extremely Short Season)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Radishes | Not recommended | Direct sow as soon as soil thaws |
| Spinach | 4-6 weeks before last frost | 2-3 weeks before last frost |
| Kale | 8-10 weeks before last frost | After danger of hard frost |
| Lettuce (Leaf) | 6-8 weeks before last frost | After danger of hard frost |
| Peas | Not recommended | Direct sow as soon as soil thaws |
| Broccoli (fastest varieties) | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
| Cabbage (fastest varieties) | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
Zones 3–4 (Short Season)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Cabbage | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Kale & Collards | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Lettuce | Direct sow after danger of hard frost | Direct sow after danger of hard frost |
| Peas | Not recommended | As soon as soil can be worked |
| Potatoes | Not applicable | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Tomatoes | 6-8 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
| Peppers | 8-10 weeks before last frost | 2-3 weeks after last frost |
| Summer Squash | 3-4 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
Zones 5–6 (Temperate Climate)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 6-8 weeks before last frost | 2-4 weeks before last frost (Spring) / Late June (Fall) |
| Carrots | Not recommended | 2-4 weeks before last frost (Spring) / July (Fall) |
| Cucumbers | 3-4 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
| Lettuce | 4-6 weeks before last frost | 2 weeks before last frost (Spring) / August (Fall) |
| Onions | 10-12 weeks before last frost | 4 weeks before last frost |
| Peppers | 8-10 weeks before last frost | 2 weeks after last frost |
| Spinach | Not recommended | 4-6 weeks before last frost (Spring) / August (Fall) |
| Tomatoes | 6-8 weeks before last frost | 1-2 weeks after last frost |
| Winter Squash | 3-4 weeks before last frost | 2 weeks after last frost |
Zones 7–8 (Long Season)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Jan-Feb (Spring) / July (Fall) | Feb-Mar (Spring) / Aug-Sep (Fall) |
| Cabbage | Jan-Feb (Spring) / July (Fall) | Feb-Mar (Spring) / Aug-Sep (Fall) |
| Carrots | Not recommended | Feb-Apr (Spring) / Sep-Oct (Fall) |
| Eggplant | Jan-Feb | April, after soil has warmed |
| Kale & Collards | Jan-Feb (Spring) / Aug (Fall) | Feb-Mar (Spring) / Sep-Oct (Fall) |
| Lettuce | Jan-Feb (Spring) / Aug (Fall) | Feb-Mar (Spring) / Sep-Oct (Fall) |
| Okra | March | April-May |
| Peppers | Jan-Feb | April |
| Tomatoes | Jan-Feb | Late March-April |
| Watermelon | Feb-Mar | April |
Zones 9–10 (Hot Summers & Mild Winters)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Aug-Sep (Fall) / Dec-Jan (Spring) | Sep-Oct (Fall) / Feb-Mar (Spring) |
| Peppers | Aug-Sep (Fall) / Dec-Jan (Spring) | Sep-Oct (Fall) / Feb-Mar (Spring) |
| Broccoli/Cauliflower | Aug-Sep | Sep-Oct for fall/winter harvest |
| Lettuce/Spinach | Sep-Oct | Oct-Nov for fall/winter harvest |
| Carrots/Beets | Not recommended | Oct-Feb for continuous harvest |
| Cucumbers | Feb-Mar | Mar-Apr for early summer harvest |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb-Mar (Spring) / Aug (Fall) | Mar-Apr (Spring) / Sep (Fall) |
| Okra/Sweet Potatoes | April-May | May-June for summer heat |
Zones 11+ (Tropical Year-Round)
| Vegetable | Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings/Seeds Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes (heat-tolerant) | Aug-Sep (Dry Season) / Feb-Mar (Wet Season) | Sep-Oct (Dry) / Mar-Apr (Wet) |
| Peppers (all types) | Aug-Sep (Dry Season) / Feb-Mar (Wet Season) | Sep-Oct (Dry) / Mar-Apr (Wet) |
| Eggplant | Aug-Sep | Year-round, but best results when planted in fall |
| Lettuce (heat-tolerant) | Sep-Oct | Oct-Nov (plant in partial shade) |
| Sweet Potatoes | Not applicable | Plant slips year-round, avoid coldest/wettest months |
| Okra | Feb-Mar | Mar-Apr for peak heat production |
| Beans (Yardlong, Winged) | Not recommended | Plant year-round, thrives in heat |
| Malabar Spinach | Not recommended | Plant year-round as a summer spinach substitute |