2012 Best Planting Dates for Seeds for Columbus, Mississippi

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 March 26 (at ABERDEEN, MS climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansMar 26-Apr 9Mar 26-Apr 6
BeetsMar 4-Apr 16Mar 9-21
BroccoliJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7Mar 4-12Mar 4- 8
Brussels sproutsJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7
CabbageJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7Mar 19-Apr 2Mar 22-Apr 2
CarrotsFeb 19-Mar 4Feb 19-20
CauliflowerJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7Mar 19-Apr 2Mar 22-Apr 2
CeleryJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7
CornApr 9-16
CucumbersFeb 26-Mar 12Feb 26-Mar 8Apr 2- 9Apr 2- 6
LettuceFeb 12-26Feb 21-26Mar 19-Apr 9Mar 22-Apr 6
MelonsFeb 26-Mar 12Feb 26-Mar 8Apr 9-16
Onion setsFeb 26-Mar 4
ParsnipsMar 4-26Mar 9-21
PeasFeb 12-26Feb 21-26
PeppersJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7
Potato tubersMar 26-Apr 9Apr 7- 9
PumpkinsFeb 26-Mar 12Feb 26-Mar 8Apr 2- 9Apr 2- 6
RadishesMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-21
SpinachFeb 12-26Feb 21-26
Squash, summerFeb 26-Mar 12Feb 26-Mar 8Apr 2- 9Apr 2- 6
Squash, winterFeb 26-Mar 12Feb 26-Mar 8Apr 2- 9Apr 2- 6
TomatoesJan 29-Feb 12Jan 29-Feb 7