2013 Best Spring Planting Dates for Seeds for Seattle, WA

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 March 10 (at SEATTLE TACOMA AP, WA climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansMar 10-24Mar 11-24
BeetsFeb 17-Mar 31Feb 26-Mar 10
BroccoliJan 13-27Jan 13-26Feb 17-24Feb 17-24
Brussels sproutsJan 13-27Jan 13-26
CabbageJan 13-27Jan 13-26Mar 3-17Mar 11-17
CarrotsFeb 3-17Feb 3- 8
CauliflowerJan 13-27Jan 13-26Mar 3-17Mar 11-17
CeleryJan 13-27Jan 13-26
CornMar 24-31Mar 24-27
CucumbersFeb 10-24Feb 10-24Mar 17-24Mar 17-24
LettuceJan 27-Feb 10Feb 9-10Mar 3-24Mar 11-24
MelonsFeb 10-24Feb 10-24Mar 24-31Mar 24-27
Onion setsFeb 10-17
ParsnipsFeb 17-Mar 10Feb 26-Mar 10
PeasJan 27-Feb 10Feb 9-10
PeppersJan 13-27Jan 13-26
Potato tubersMar 10-24Mar 10
PumpkinsFeb 10-24Feb 10-24Mar 17-24Mar 17-24
RadishesMar 3-17Mar 3-10
SpinachJan 27-Feb 10Feb 9-10
Squash, summerFeb 10-24Feb 10-24Mar 17-24Mar 17-24
Squash, winterFeb 10-24Feb 10-24Mar 17-24Mar 17-24
TomatoesJan 13-27Jan 13-26