When to plant for best results
- The proper planting time depends on your climate, or the growing season at your garden location.
- Your “growing season” is considered to be the days between the last spring frost and the first fall frost.
- Learn the Average Day of Last Frost (ADLF) for your garden by calling your County Extension Office (USA) or government agricultural department (other countries), or on the internet at http://www.victoryseeds.com/frost/.
- Planting time is determined by 1) average date of last frost and 2) the hardiness – or danger of frost damage – to the crop you’re planting.
- Vegetable plants are classified into 4 levels of hardiness as follows:
- Hardy plants can handle frost and cold, and can be planted 3 to 6 weeks before the ADLF.
- Moderately hardy plants handle some cold and very light frost. These can be planted 2-3 weeks before the ADLF.
- Cold and frost-sensitive plants do not do well with cold weather or frost. Plant these on the ADLF.
- Frost intolerant plants will be killed by any frost, and must be planted 2-3 weeks after the ADLF.
- Extend your growing season and greatly increase your yields by transplanting healthy seedlings into your garden on the recommended planting dates. Learn how to produce your own seedlings.
- Vegetable plants are classified into 4 levels of hardiness as follows:
- The following table lists common vegetables according to their frost tolerance. Insert your own ADLF to know the recommended planting dates for each plant in your garden.
Plant Hardiness (Frost Tolerance) & Planting Times
| Plant Type | Hardiness | When to Plant Based on average day of last frost – ADLF |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Cabbage | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Cauliflower | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Kohlrabi | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Lettuce, leaf & head | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Onions, green & bulb | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Peas, bush & pole | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Radishes | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Spinach | hardy | 4 weeks before |
| Beets | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Berries | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Carrots | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Celery | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Chard | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Parsley | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Parsnips | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Potatoes | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Turnips | moderately-hardy | 2-3 weeks before |
| Beans, bush & pole | frost-sensitive | On ADLF |
| Corn | frost-sensitive | On ADLF |
| Tomatoes | frost sensitive | On ADLF |
| Cucumbers | frost-intolerant | 2-3 weeks after |
| Melons | frost-intolerant | 2-3 weeks after |
| Peppers | frost-intolerant | 2-3 weeks after |
| Squash | frost-intolerant | 2-3 weeks after |