Planting Guides by Crop
Every crop has its own timing. Some go in the ground weeks before your last spring frost, some wait until the soil is warm, and a few are planted in fall. Each guide below gives planting dates for USDA zones 3 to 9, based on NOAA frost data.
Not sure of your zone? Enter your ZIP code to find it, along with your local frost dates.
Find your zone and frost dates
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Plant in early spring, before your last frost
Cool-season crops tolerate frost and grow best in cool weather.
- BeetsSow outdoors early
- BroccoliTransplants, spring or fall
- CabbageTransplants, spring or fall
- CarrotsSow outdoors early
- CauliflowerTransplants, spring or fall
- KaleSpring or fall
- LettuceSpring or fall
- OnionsSets, plants or seed
- PeasOne of the first to sow
- PotatoesSeed potatoes in spring
- RadishesReady in about a month
- SpinachSpring or fall
- StrawberriesPlants in early spring
Plant after your last frost
Warm-season crops are damaged by frost and need warm soil to grow.
- BasilOnce the soil is 60 °F
- CucumbersSow or transplant
- Green beansSow in warm soil
- MelonsCantaloupe and more
- PeppersStart indoors early
- PumpkinsIncluding for Halloween
- Sweet cornSow in warm soil
- TomatoesStart indoors early
- WatermelonNeeds a long, hot season
- ZucchiniSow or transplant
Plant in fall
These need a cold winter in the ground to grow and bloom in spring.
Plan the whole garden
Want every crop on one timeline? The planting calendar builds a personal schedule from your ZIP code, with dates for starting seeds indoors, planting outside and harvesting.