2013 Best Spring Planting Dates for Seeds for Manchester, NH

When determining the best planting dates in the spring 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 May 11 (at MASSABESIC LAKE, NH climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansMay 11-25May 11-25
BeetsApr 20-Jun 1Apr 26-May 8
BroccoliMar 16-30Mar 16-27Apr 20-27Apr 20-25
Brussels sproutsMar 16-30Mar 16-27
CabbageMar 16-30Mar 16-27May 4-18May 9-18
CarrotsApr 6-20Apr 6- 9
CauliflowerMar 16-30Mar 16-27May 4-18May 9-18
CeleryMar 16-30Mar 16-27
CornMay 25-Jun 1May 25
CucumbersApr 13-27Apr 13-25May 18-25May 18-25
LettuceMar 30-Apr 13Apr 10-13May 4-25May 9-25
MelonsApr 13-27Apr 13-25May 25-Jun 1May 25
Onion setsApr 13-20
ParsnipsApr 20-May 11Apr 26-May 8
PeasMar 30-Apr 13Apr 10-13
PeppersMar 16-30Mar 16-27
Potato tubersMay 11-25
PumpkinsApr 13-27Apr 13-25May 18-25May 18-25
RadishesMay 4-18May 4- 8
SpinachMar 30-Apr 13Apr 10-13
Squash, summerApr 13-27Apr 13-25May 18-25May 18-25
Squash, winterApr 13-27Apr 13-25May 18-25May 18-25
TomatoesMar 16-30Mar 16-27