2012 Best Planting Dates for Seeds for New Haven, Connecticut

When determining the best planting dates for seeds, the date of the last spring frost is important to your success. NOTE: Our chart calculates U.S. frost dates only, based on historical data. Other factors can also influence planting dates, including soil temperature, altitude and slope of land, nearby waters, and day length. Keep records of your garden's conditions each year to plan more accurately.

  • Seeds for plants with a long growing season should be started indoors during the periods shown below.
  • Seeds for plants sown in the ground should be planted during the periods shown.
  • When no dates appear in the chart, that starting method is not recommended for the particular vegetable.
  • To start transplants, see our Best Dates to Transplant (by region).

Planting by the Moon?

Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!

This chart includes the most popular crops. For more information, consult your cooperative extension.

Click on the underlined crops below for free "how to" plant and grow guides!

ZIP Code or City,State

50% probability of frost free after April 11 (at BRIDGEPORT SIKORSKY AP, CT climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansApr 11-25Apr 21-25
BeetsMar 21-May 2Mar 21
BroccoliFeb 14-28Feb 21-28Mar 21-28Mar 22-28
Brussels sproutsFeb 14-28Feb 21-28
CabbageFeb 14-28Feb 21-28Apr 4-18Apr 4- 6
CarrotsMar 6-21Mar 9-21
CauliflowerFeb 14-28Feb 21-28Apr 4-18Apr 4- 6
CeleryFeb 14-28Feb 21-28
CornApr 25-May 2Apr 25-May 2
CucumbersMar 14-28Mar 22-28Apr 18-25Apr 21-25
LettuceFeb 28-Mar 14Feb 28-Mar 8Apr 4-25Apr 4- 6
MelonsMar 14-28Mar 22-28Apr 25-May 2Apr 25-May 2
Onion setsMar 14-21Mar 14-21
ParsnipsMar 21-Apr 11Mar 21
PeasFeb 28-Mar 14Feb 28-Mar 8
PeppersFeb 14-28Feb 21-28
Potato tubersApr 11-25Apr 11-20
PumpkinsMar 14-28Mar 22-28Apr 18-25Apr 21-25
RadishesApr 4-18Apr 7-18
SpinachFeb 28-Mar 14Feb 28-Mar 8
Squash, summerMar 14-28Mar 22-28Apr 18-25Apr 21-25
Squash, winterMar 14-28Mar 22-28Apr 18-25Apr 21-25
TomatoesFeb 14-28Feb 21-28