Planting Calendar
Select your USDA hardiness zone to see suggested planting dates for vegetables, herbs, and flowers — a helpful guide to when to start seeds indoors, transplant, and direct sow. Results are approximate and intended for planning only.
| Plant | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | Early | Late | |
Tomatoes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peppers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lettuce | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carrots | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cucumbers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Squash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broccoli | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Spinach | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Radishes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corn | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Onions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Potatoes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cilantro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dill | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parsley | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mint | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunflowers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marigolds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zinnias | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cosmos | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lavender | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scroll horizontally to see all months.
How to Use the Planting Calendar
- 1
Select your hardiness zone
Choose your USDA plant hardiness zone from the dropdown. If you're unsure, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map or ask at your local garden center.
- 2
Read the calendar grid
Each row shows a plant. Purple cells indicate when to start seeds indoors, coral cells show transplant timing, green cells mark direct sowing windows, and gray cells show the harvest period.
- 3
Filter by category
Use the category filter to show only vegetables, herbs, or flowers. This makes it easier to plan specific sections of your garden.
- 4
Plan your garden schedule
These dates are approximate and intended for planning purposes only. Your specific microclimate, soil conditions, and weather patterns may shift dates by a week or two in either direction, so treat them as a starting point and consult a local professional or extension service for final timing.
Pro Tips
- Start a gardening journal to track actual planting and harvest dates for your specific location.
- Use row covers or cold frames to extend the season by 2-4 weeks in spring and fall.
- Succession planting — sowing every 2-3 weeks — gives you a continuous harvest of lettuce, radishes, and beans.
- Indoor seed starting needs strong light: a south-facing window or grow lights for 12-16 hours per day.
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting — gradually increase outdoor exposure.
- In zones 8-10, many cool-season crops can be planted in fall for a winter harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my USDA hardiness zone?
What does 'weeks before last frost' mean?
Can I plant earlier than the calendar suggests?
What's the difference between direct sow and transplant?
Do these dates work for fall planting?
Why are some indoor start cells empty?
Results are approximate and intended for planning purposes only. Material densities, coverage rates, and quantities are estimates that may vary based on actual conditions, product specifications, and installation methods. Always consult a professional for final specifications.