2013 Best Spring Planting Dates for Seeds for Cookeville, TN

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 April 16 (at COOKEVILLE, TN climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansApr 16-30Apr 16-25
BeetsMar 26-May 7Mar 28-Apr 9
BroccoliFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25Mar 26-Apr 2Mar 26-27
Brussels sproutsFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25
CabbageFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25Apr 9-23Apr 10-23
CarrotsMar 12-26
CauliflowerFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25Apr 9-23Apr 10-23
CeleryFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25
CornApr 30-May 7
CucumbersMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 23-30Apr 23-25
LettuceMar 4-19Mar 11-19Apr 9-30Apr 10-25
MelonsMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 30-May 7
Onion setsMar 19-26
ParsnipsMar 26-Apr 16Mar 28-Apr 9
PeasMar 4-19Mar 11-19
PeppersFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25
Potato tubersApr 16-30Apr 26-30
PumpkinsMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 23-30Apr 23-25
RadishesApr 9-23Apr 9
SpinachMar 4-19Mar 11-19
Squash, summerMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 23-30Apr 23-25
Squash, winterMar 19-Apr 2Mar 19-27Apr 23-30Apr 23-25
TomatoesFeb 18-Mar 4Feb 18-25