Planting Date Calculator
Find the best planting dates for vegetables and herbs based on your USDA hardiness zone and last frost date.
Planting Schedule
Planting dates depend on your last spring frost date and first fall frost date.
USDA Hardiness Zones (approximate last frost dates):
| Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Growing Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | May 15 | Sep 15 | 120 days |
| 4 | May 1 | Sep 30 | 150 days |
| 5 | Apr 15 | Oct 15 | 180 days |
| 6 | Apr 1 | Oct 30 | 210 days |
| 7 | Mar 15 | Nov 15 | 240 days |
| 8 | Mar 1 | Nov 30 | 270 days |
| 9 | Feb 15 | Dec 15 | 300 days |
| 10 | Jan 31 | Dec 31 | 335 days |
Planting guidelines relative to last frost:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, peas, spinach): 4–6 weeks before last frost
- Warm-season crops (tomato, pepper, squash): 1–2 weeks after last frost
- Hot-season crops (melon, eggplant): 2–4 weeks after last frost
Indoor seed starting is typically 6–8 weeks before transplanting date.