When the Plant Vegetables

Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from species to species. In much of the United States, the main consideration is the date of the last spring frost / freeze. Many vegetables can be planted up to four weeks before the last frost, while others have to wait two or three weeks after the frost.

Another consideration is the date of the first fall frost / freeze. On the northern latitudes, where summers can be short, the time period of some plant species take to reach maturity (especially tomatoes and peppers) make it necessary to plant vegetable seeds indoors and transplant seedlings at the appropriate time.

With aging time up to twelve weeks may be critical to get vegetable seeds planted soon as it is safe to do so. If you have a short growing season, and want to grow these crops, choose vegetable varieties that will reach maturity within a period of time safely to your area.

Many plants that are planted in the spring vegetables can be planted again towards the end of the season. By understanding the time and duration of frost free weather in your area, you may have a better chance of success in your garden.

The National Climatic Data Center has an online data sheet which can be downloaded as a pdf file or viewed online. The data sheet contains ice / freeze information for over 3,000 US sites. Information is presented in tabular form, in alphabetical order by state and then selected towns within each state.

Biodynamics and Phenology use astrological and natural occurrences to discern clues about the best time to plant and harvest vegetables. Most areas consist of microclimates that vary by elevation, exposure and proximity to large bodies of water.