What To Plant When? Part Two of Gardening 101
One of the hardest things to know is when to plant your garden. The truth is, there’s no single answer to this question. The time to plant your garden depends on where you’re located on the planet and what you want to grow!
I spent several years living and traveling through South America. I saw firsthand how countries near the equator don’t experience “winter” like we did back home on the East Coast. Some seasons are rainier while others are dryer, but places like Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela rarely see snow or ice.
Planting seasons are different down there than here on the East Coast. However, Florida’s planting season is also very different from ours, even though they’re on the East Coast. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to planting your gardens.
Don’t worry, though! I’ll give you the details and guidance to start planting at the best time. We’ll also discuss different vegetables. When to get them in the ground, and when their season ends. While this guide mainly focuses on North America, we will explore South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia!
Let’s dive in and get our hands dirty.
What is the Best Month to Start Planting?
April is the best month to start growing your seedlings in northeastern U.S. states. However, northern states should wait until late to early May because hard frost can kill young plants. Southern states can usually start planting seedlings as early as February but do not plant them in the ground until mid-March.
This section will focus on North America for simplicities sake. However, if you want to explore Canadian and South American growing seasons, please feel free to scroll down and explore or read them when you get there! I don’t want anyone to feel left out. Gardening should be universal.
The FAQ section will briefly discuss Canadian and South American growing seasons. However, we will have separate articles for each region in the coming weeks (including Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Slavik nations, and South America).
You can follow along by referring to the U.S.D.A. Zone Map for plant hardiness. Hardiness simply refers to a plant's ability to withstand harsh weather, like snow and frost. Hardiness Zones are designed to prevent farmers from losing most crops to harsh weather since most plants will not withstand the climate in certain seasons.
Retrieved from: https://pdi.scinet.usda.gov/phzm/vm/All_states_fullzones_title_legend_logos_150dpi.jpg
Property of the USDA
Without further ado, here are the different regions of the U.S. and their planting seasons:
Northern States (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, etc.): Northern states have a much shorter planting season than other regions of the United States. They’re in the violet, grey, and purple regions on the above map. Alaska is the coldest, with northern Alaska experiencing freezing weather for most of the year.
In most northern states, planting season starts in early May and last until mid-September. These regions are Zone 3 and Zone 4 by the Department of Agriculture and are the shortest planting zones in the U.S. Southern Alaska can plant between Mid-May to early September, but those living further north should plant a week or two later.
Most violet and purple zones can start planting in mid-May to early June.
East Coast and Midwest States: (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, etc): Perhaps the vastest region, zones 5, 6, and 7, stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. The blue, dark green, and light green regions of the United States on the map highlight these zones.
Most crops can be planted in the light and dark green zones as early as late March. However, you may need to cover your crops with a light blanket or tarp at night in case there’s a late frost. You should hold off on planting in most of the blue zone until the first week of April.
Southern and Western Coastal States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, California, etc.): These zones are 7, 8, and 9. They’re depicted in yellow, orange, and red on the map above. Some areas within these zones don’t experience heavy frost or snow during winter and are similar to parts of South America.
Most crops can be planted between late March and early April and grow until mid-November. The growing seasons will vary depending on how close you live to the ocean. The ocean creates a more temperate environment for crops, so coastal regions are likely to have a very short period where nothing can grow.
States like Florida, which are in Zone 9, have a growing season for most of the year. The only months that aren’t recommended for growing are January and parts of February.
What Are the Best Plants to Grow in Early Spring?
The best plants to grow in early spring vary considerably based on location. Generally, you should avoid plants with soft stems and leaves since these are more likely to die during a hard frost. Crops like cabbage, kale, and broccoli are the best for colder seasons since they can resist frost better.
One important distinction to make is between planting crops and starting seedlings. For example, I grew up in New Jersey, where planting season ranges between mid-April and mid-October. However, my family always started our seedlings in mid-March.
Why, you may be wondering?
Because you want your plants to be a week or two old before moving them to the ground. Thankfully, you can move seedlings so they won’t have to sit outside at night where the frost could kill them. We used to move our seedlings into our home or shed, depending on how cold the nights were.
If you plan to plant crops in the ground in early spring, you should choose cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and kale. Unlike tomatoes and cucumbers, these plants can withstand mild cold and frost. If your weather forecast calls for a heavy frost or snow, cover your cruciferous crops with a blanket or tarp for the evening.
As discussed above, though, planting season varies considerably depending on location. In New Jersey, we wouldn’t plant our tomatoes in the ground until the second or third week in April. However, if you live in Maine, you should wait until the first or second week in May. But Georgians can plant their tomatoes as early as the last week of March most years.
Pay close attention to your zone and how long plant germination takes. Germination refers to the time it takes a plant to reach maturity. You don’t want to go through all the trouble of planting seedlings if they never reach maturity and grow fruits because the growing season ended.
In other words, if you plant tomatoes in late August in New Jersey, you’ll likely only see one or two harvests. However, if you plant your tomatoes in April, you’ll be getting your first harvest in mid-May and dozens more throughout the summer until September-October.
When to Plant What? Plant By Plant
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are not hearty plants. Hearty plants can withstand frost and snow as long as the ground doesn’t freeze and it's not constant. Therefore, tomatoes must be planted after the last frost hits your region.
Tomatoes should be planted between mid-April and Early June for Zones 1–4. Zones 3–4 are warmer than the very frigid regions of northern Alaska (Zones 1–2). Much of northern Alaska should wait until June to plant their tomatoes. Zones 3–4 can plant as early as mid-April or early May.
Zones 4–6 can plant tomatoes between early March and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long tomato-growing seasons. Most of the region can grow tomatoes as early as the beginning of March or the end of February.
Cucumbers
cucumbers are not hearty plants. Hearty plants can withstand frost and snow as long as the ground doesn’t freeze and it’s not constant. Therefore, cucumbers must be planted after the last frost hits your region.
Cucumbers should be planted between mid-April and Early June for Zones 1–4. Zones 3–4 are warmer than the very frigid regions of northern Alaska (Zones 1–2). Much of northern Alaska should wait until June to plant their cucumbers. Zones 3–4 can plant as early as mid-April or early May.
Zones 4–6 can plant cucumbers between early March and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long cucumber-growing seasons. Most of the region can grow cucumbers as early as the beginning of March or the end of February.
Zucchini
Zucchini are not hearty plants at all. This means they cannot withstand any frost at all and require lots of heat and sunshine. They’re even less hearty than tomatoes or cucumbers. The watery stems also make it very difficult to cover with a blanket or cover without damaging the leaves and stems.
Zucchini should be planted between mid-May and Early June for Zones 1–4. Zones 3–4 are warmer than the very frigid regions of northern Alaska (Zones 1–2). Much of northern Alaska probably should avoid growing zucchinis unless you have a greenhouse because only one or two months are even suitable for growing this squash.
Zones 4–6 can plant zucchini between early Apriland Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long zucchini-growing seasons. Most of the region can grow zucchinis as early as the beginning of April or the end of March.
Green Beans
Green beans are heartier than the other veggies we’ve discussed so far. They can withstand mild frost and don’t need the same TLC as other crops. However, they’re only good for 2–3 harvests, and you need to replant them throughout the summer to ensure you get a good harvest.
Green beans should be planted for Zones 1–4 between mid-April and early June. Zones 3–4 are warmer than the very frigid regions of northern Alaska (Zones 1–2). Much of northern Alaska can grow green beans, although you might only be able to get one to two harvests throughout the summer months.
Other, warmer zones can get between 4–8 harvests per growing season.
Zones 4–6 can plant green beans between the end of March and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long green bean-growing seasons. Most of the region can grow green beans as early as the beginning of March or the end of February.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are one of my favorite fresh vegetables! I hate them after they’re cooked, but nothing beats a fresh sweet pea from the garden. Like green beans, sweet pea plants must be replanted a few times over the growing season. Depending on your location, you can plant 2–8 crops each year.
Sweet peas should be planted for Zones 1–4 between early-May and early June. Zones 3–4 are warmer than the very frigid regions of northern Alaska (Zones 1–2). Much of northern Alaska can grow sweet peas, although you might only be able to get one to two harvests throughout the summer months.
Other, warmer zones can get between 4–8 harvests per growing season.
Zones 4–6 can plant sweet peas between the beginning of April and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long sweet pea-growing seasons. Most of the region can grow sweet peas as early as the last week of March.
Corn
Corn is a staple for most of the United States but doesn’t do well in cold regions. Most of the corn in the U.S. is produced in the Midwest and Southern States. However, it can grow in colder areas; but doesn’t have as long a growing season.
Corn should be planted for Zones 1–4 between early May and early June. Much of northern Alaska should avoid growing corn since the growing season is too short.
Zones 4–6 can plant corn between the beginning of April and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long corn-growing seasons. Most regions can grow corn as early as the last week of March.
Lettuce
Lettuce is not a sturdy vegetable. Most of it is composed of water, meaning it doesn’t have a lot of structural integrity. Frost and snow will kill your lettuce, especially baby-bib and soft-leaf lettuce. Romaine lettuce is a little sturdier but won’t do well in frost.
Lettuce should be planted for Zones 1–4 between early May and early June. Much of northern Alaska should plant lettuce after June and before the beginning of July to ensure a complete harvest.
Zones 4–6 can plant spinach between the beginning of April and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long corn-growing seasons. Most regions can grow corn as early as the last week of March.
Spinach
Spinach is a strange little crop. Spinach grows as small, individual leaves rather than forming a head or cluster of leaves as lettuce does. It's heartier than zucchini, but it should still be planted after the last frost.
Spinach should be planted for Zones 1–4 between early May and early June. Much of northern Alaska should plant spinach after June and before the beginning of July to ensure a complete harvest.
Zones 4–6 can plant spinach between the beginning of April and Mid-April. Places along the coast, like New Jersey and Delaware, can plant them a week or so earlier than landlocked states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Zones 7–9 have very long spinach-growing seasons. Most regions can grow spinach as early as the last week of March.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a great cold crop. Cabbage doesn’t do well in extreme temperatures (90–110 degree weather). Southern states experience sweltering summers, which can cause rot to the cabbage leaves, meaning the sooner you plant it, the better!
Cabbage should be planted for Zones 1–4 between late March and early April. Unlike most of the plants on this list, cabbage grows well in Alaska (especially near Zone 2). Cabbage can be planted as early as April for most of Alaska and grow until September.
Zones 4–6 can plant cabbage at the beginning of March and Mid-April. Places along the coast don’t differ significantly from landlocked areas regarding the growing season for cabbage.
Zones 7–9 can grow cabbages year-long, depending on the location. However, growing them in February through late May is better to ensure they don’t get burnt by the heat.
Kale
Similar to cabbage, kale is a hearty crop. It can withstand most frosts as long as the ground doesn't freeze over too hard.
Kale should be planted for Zones 1–4 between late March and early April. Like cabbage, kale grows well in Alaska (especially near Zone 2). Kale can be planted as early as April for most of Alaska and extend until September.
Zones 4–6 can plant kale at the beginning of March and Mid-April. Places along the coast don’t differ significantly from landlocked areas regarding the growing season for kale.
Zones 7–9 can grow kale year-long, depending on the location. However, growing them in February through late May is better since, like cabbage, kale doesn’t love the heat. Although, it does handle extreme heat better than cabbage.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower love the cold, much like kale and cabbage. However, they don’t handle frost as well as the others. This is especially true if the plant grows a head since the ice can damage the quality.
Broccoli and cauliflower should be planted for Zones 1–4 between late March and early April. Like cabbage and kale, broccoli and cauliflower grow well in Alaska (especially near Zone 2). Broccoli and cauliflower can be planted as early as April for most of Alaska and extend until September.
Zones 4–6 can plant broccoli and cauliflower at the beginning of March and Mid-April. Places along the coast don’t differ significantly from landlocked areas regarding the growing season for broccoli and cauliflower.
Zones 7–9 can grow broccoli and cauliflower year-long, depending on the location. However, growing them in February through late May is better since, like cabbage and kale, broccoli and cauliflower don’t love the heat. Although, it does handle extreme heat, like kale.
What Is the Growing Season in Canada?
Most of Canada’s agricultural land is located in the southern and central parts of the nation. Canada’s growing season usually lasts 4–5 months, starting mid-April and ending in September. Despite its cold weather and short relatively short growing season, Canada is one of the top producers of crops worldwide.
The Canadian organization, the NRC, offers a similar color-coded map to the U.S.D.A. According to this map, Canada has 13 growing zones. While very little of Canada has as long of a growing season as the Southern States, parts of southern Canada can grow crops for up to 7–8 months annually.
What Is the Growing Season in South America?
South America is a vast area encompassing central and southern countries. Nations like Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia have an “eternal spring,” meaning they rarely get frost or snow. However, southern nations like Argentina and Chile have much colder seasons, impacting their growing capacities.
Many Americans don’t realize how diverse South America’s climate is compared to the United States. Nations near the equator, like Colombia and Ecuador, have year-long growing seasons. The thing these nations worry about the most is rainfall. Rainfall can rip apart fields and cause severe crop loss. However, Colombia and other equatorial countries have a year-long growing season, with fall and winter months usually being the best choice.
The U.S.D.A. offers a guide for specific crops and their growing seasons for southern South American nations. However, their seasons are reversed to ours in the northern hemisphere. This means they grow most of their crops in our winter months (summer months for them), like December through February.
Closing Thoughts: Let’s Start Growing!
Thank you so much for reading this second entry to the Gardening 101 series! I really appreciate you checking it out and hope to have you join my page as a subscriber.
Seasons are some of the most important parts of planting your crops. While no two crops are exactly the same, it’s good to know what to expect before buying your crops or starting your seedlings!
Thank you again for reading! I will see you again on Friday with our next article: How To Compost: Your Complete Guide!
