This collection includes The Old Farmer's Almanac 2010 Classic Edition, Gardening Calendar, Garden Journal, and a free pocket calendar.
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.
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 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 others, consult your local cooperative extension.
50% probability of frost free after May 13 (at KEENE, NH climate station).
| Crop | Start Seeds Indoors | Moon-favorable Dates | Start Seeds in the Ground | Moon-favorable Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beans | May 13-27 | May 13-27 | ||
| Beets | Apr 22-Jun 3 | Apr 29-May 12 | ||
| Broccoli | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | Apr 22-29 | Apr 22-28 |
| Brussels sprouts | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | ||
| Cabbage | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | May 6-20 | May 13-20 |
| Carrots | Apr 8-22 | Apr 8-13 | ||
| Cauliflower | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | May 6-20 | May 13-20 |
| Celery | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | ||
| Corn | May 27-Jun 3 | May 27 | ||
| Cucumbers | Apr 15-29 | Apr 15-28 | May 20-27 | May 20-27 |
| Lettuce | Apr 1-15 | Apr 14-15 | May 6-27 | May 13-27 |
| Melons | Apr 15-29 | Apr 15-28 | May 27-Jun 3 | May 27 |
| Onion sets | Apr 15-22 | |||
| Parsnips | Apr 22-May 13 | Apr 29-May 12 | ||
| Peas | Apr 1-15 | Apr 14-15 | ||
| Peppers | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 | ||
| Potato tubers | May 13-27 | |||
| Pumpkins | Apr 15-29 | Apr 15-28 | May 20-27 | May 20-27 |
| Radishes | May 6-20 | May 6-12 | ||
| Spinach | Apr 1-15 | Apr 14-15 | ||
| Squash, summer | Apr 15-29 | Apr 15-28 | May 20-27 | May 20-27 |
| Squash, winter | Apr 15-29 | Apr 15-28 | May 20-27 | May 20-27 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 18-Apr 1 | Mar 18-29 |
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