Garden Seed Planting Calendar
This planting calendar is a general guide for planting seeds based on common vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Specific planting dates can vary depending on your climate zone, so it’s essential to check your local frost dates and growing season. The calendar is divided into early spring, late spring, summer, and fall to help you get started.
January - February (Early Spring)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplants
Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Oregano)
Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower)
Tips: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use grow lights or a sunny window.
March (Late Winter - Early Spring)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Tomatoes (6–8 weeks before last frost)
Peppers (6–8 weeks before last frost)
Eggplants (6–8 weeks before last frost)
Cucumbers (6 weeks before last frost)
Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Mint)
Direct Outdoor Sowing (when frost risk is minimal):
Peas
Spinach
Lettuce
Radishes
Carrots
Beets
Tips: Start hardening off indoor seedlings towards the end of March, gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
April (Spring Planting Season Begins)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Herbs (Dill, Chives)
Squash (Zucchini, Summer Squash)
Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon)
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Lettuce
Carrots
Onions (Sets or seeds)
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Tips: For frost-sensitive plants (like tomatoes and peppers), wait until late April or early May to transplant them outdoors.
May (Late Spring)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Beans (Pole beans, Bush beans)
Corn
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Beans
Corn
Squash (Winter Squash, Pumpkins)
Cucumbers
Melons
Tomatoes (after frost risk)
Peppers (after frost risk)
Eggplants (after frost risk)
Tips: Ensure soil is warm enough for sensitive crops like beans and tomatoes (usually above 60°F or 16°C).
June (Summer)
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Beans (Direct sow for continuous harvests)
Corn
Cucumbers
Squash (Summer Squash, Zucchini)
Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon)
Okra
Sweet Potatoes
Tips: Keep plants well-watered during the hot summer months and mulch to retain moisture.
July (Mid-Summer)
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Beans (for late-season harvest)
Carrots (for fall harvest)
Radishes (fast-growing, ideal for fall planting)
Turnips
Beets (for fall harvest)
Kale (for fall harvest)
Tips: Avoid sowing heat-sensitive crops, like lettuce, during the hottest part of the summer.
August (Late Summer)
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Carrots (for fall harvest)
Turnips
Beets (for fall harvest)
Kale
Spinach (for fall planting)
Broccoli (for fall harvest)
Tips: Begin preparing your garden for cooler temperatures. Keep fall crops well-watered and mulch them to protect from frost.
September (Early Fall)
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Lettuce (for fall and winter harvest)
Spinach
Radishes
Arugula
Mustard Greens
Tips: Protect plants from early frosts using row covers or cold frames for extended harvests.
October (Late Fall)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Chives) for indoor gardening
Direct Outdoor Sowing:
Garlic (Plant in late October for next year’s harvest)
Cover crops (Like clover or rye, to enrich the soil during winter)
Tips: Start preparing your garden for winter by cleaning up old plant debris and adding compost.
November - December (Winter Dormancy)
Indoor Seed Starting:
Herbs (Cilantro, Basil, Chives)
Leafy greens (Lettuce, Spinach) for indoor gardening
Tips: Use the winter months to research and plan for the upcoming growing season. Order seeds and take care of your gardening tools.
Key Tips for Seed Planting Success
Know Your Frost Dates: Always base your planting schedule on your first and last frost dates. Use online tools or local resources to determine your zone and frost dates.
Soil Temperature: Some seeds, like beans and cucumbers, need warm soil to germinate. Check your soil temperature using a thermometer before planting.
Succession Planting: Plant seeds in intervals (every few weeks) to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to sunlight and outdoor temperatures for a few hours each day before planting them in the garden.
By following this calendar, you'll have a clearer idea of when to plant seeds for the best results and enjoy a full growing season with an abundant harvest.
