When to Plant

As a general rule, the most cold-hardy, cool-season vegetables should be planted (or transplanted) 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. The less-hardy, cool-season crops should be planted 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost for best results. Refer to table for spring planting dates.

Most cool-season crops thrive best during cool weather and will not tolerate the heat of summer in the lower two-thirds of the country. In this area, early-spring planting is vitally important.

The most cold-hardy of these cool-season crops include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, English peas, Irish potatoes, spinach, and turnips. The less-hardy, cool-season crops include beets, carrots, chard, mustard, parsnips, and radishes.

Range of Dates for Safe Spring Planting in the Open

Range of Dates for Safe Spring Planting in the Open Continued