When to plant vegetables has a lot to do with the climate you live in and what you're growing in your garden. Use the planting timetables below to find out when to plant your crops this year.
When To Plant Cold-Weather Vegetables
For the most part, these cold-season crops do best in temperatures between 55° and 70° F but can tolerate limited frost and cold conditions. This means that with the right tools and planning they're suitable for winter and fall gardens.
| Cold-Weather Crops |
Ideal Temperature Range |
When to Sow |
| Beet | 55° and 70° F | 2-3 weeks before last frost |
| Broccoli | 55° and 70° F | 12-14 weeks before 1st frost |
| Brussels sprouts |
55° and 70° F | 15-17 weeks before 1st frost |
| Cabbage |
55° and 70° F | 15-17 weeks before 1st frost |
| Kale |
55° and 70° F | 6-8 weeks before 1st frost |
| Kohlrabi | 60° and 70° F | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Leaf Lettuce | 55° and 70° F | 6-8 weeks before 1st frost |
| Onion | 55° and 70° F | 4 weeks before last frost |
| Peas | 60° and 70° F | 10-12 weeks before 1st frost |
| Radish | 55° and 70° F | 8-10 weeks before 1st frost |
| Spinach | 55° and 70° F | 6-8 weeks before 1st frost |
When To Plant Cool-Weather Vegetables
For the most part, these cool-season crops do best in temperatures between 50° and 60° F (which means that they can tolerate some cold but no frost).
| Cool-Weather Crops |
Ideal Temperature Range |
When to Sow |
| Broccoli | 50° and 60° F | 12-14 weeks before 1st frost |
| Carrot | 60° and 70° F | 10-12 weeks before 1st frost |
| Cauliflower |
50° and 60° F | 12-14 weeks before 1st frost |
| Endive | 60° and 75° F | 4-6 weeks before last frost |
| Potato (white) | 60° and 70° F | Where cool, in spring. Where warm, in fall or winter. |
When To Plant Warm-Weather Vegetables
For the most part, these warm-season crops do best in temperatures between 65° and 80° F and are easily damaged by cold and frost. In fact, they often rot in cold soil so they're really only suited for warm growing conditions.
| Warm-Weather Crops |
Ideal Temperature Range |
When to Sow |
| Beans | 65° and 80° F | After last frost |
| Cantaloupe | 65° and 80° F | 2-3 weeks after last frost |
| Chard | 60° and 80° F | Where cool, 2-3 weeks before last frost. Where warm, fall to early spring. |
| Corn | 65° and 80° F | When soil reaches about 60° F |
| Cucumber | 70° and 80° F | Where cool, 3-4 weeks after last frost. Where warm, mid spring or summer. |
| Pepper | 65° and 80° F | Bed transplants 2-3 weeks after last frost. |
| Pumpkin | 65° and 80° F | 2-3 weeks after last frost or when soil reaches 65° F |
| Squash | 65° and 80° F | 2-3 weeks after last frost or when soil reaches 65° F |
| Tomato | 65° and 80° F | Bed transplants 2-3 weeks after last frost. |
When To Plant Hot-Weather Vegetables
For the most part, these hot-season crops do need growing temperatures between 65° and 80° F, with long growing seasons that offer temperatures well into the 80s.
| Hot-Weather Crops |
Ideal Temperature Range |
When to Sow |
| Shell beans | 65° and 80° F | For continuous harvest, plant every 2 weeks for 4-6 weeks from spring to summer. |
| Eggplant | 70° and 90° F |
Where cool, bed transplants 2-3 weeks after last frost. Where warm, bed transplants spring through summer. |
| Okra | 65° and 80° F | 4 weeks after last frost |
| Peanuts | 65° and 80° F | 2-3 weeks after last frost |
| Sweet potato | 70° and 80° F | Root indoors 8-10 weeks, then plant slips 4 weeks after last frost. |
| Watermelon | 65° and 80° F | Bed transplants 2-3 weeks after last frost, when soil is above 70° F. |
