Planting Calendar by Zone: When to Start, Plant & Harvest Your Veggies

We’ve used a traffic light system to visually guide you through the planting process:

To use this guide:

Zone Calendar Quick Link

Adjust for weather variations—this guide is based on average conditions, local climate shifts and microclimates will impact timing, but only slightly.

With this easy-to-follow visual system, you’ll always know the perfect time to take action in your garden!

Understanding Your USDA Growing Zone

Your USDA growing zone is the key to planting at the right time. The United States is divided into 13 hardiness zones, each based on average annual minimum temperatures. These zones help determine when it’s safe to plant and what will thrive in your region.

It’s common for states and regions to span multiple zones due to diverse landscapes and varying weather patterns.

For example, northern regions of a state might fall into a colder zone like Zone 4, while southern regions of the same state may be in a milder zone like Zone 6. This variation reflects factors such as elevation, proximity to bodies of water, and other geographical influences on temperature.

Understanding these zones is essential for choosing plants that can thrive in specific local climates.

How to Find Your Zone

If you’re unsure of your USDA zone, you can:

• Check the images in this guide – Each zone is clearly numbered and color-coded.
• Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map – Enter your zip code on the official USDA website.
• Ask local gardeners – They often have insights on microclimates in your area.

Why Your Zone Matters

• Frost Risk – Your zone helps determine the last spring frost and first fall frost dates, which are critical for timing planting.
• Plant Suitability – Some plants thrive in warm climates, while others need cooler conditions.
• Season Length – The length of your growing season affects when and how long you can grow certain crops.

By knowing your zone, you can plant with confidence, avoiding late frosts, which will stunt or kill our seedlings!

When to Start Seeds Indoors (By Zone)

Starting seeds indoors gives your vegetables a head start, ensuring strong, healthy plants ready for transplanting when the weather warms up a touch. The exact timing depends on your USDA zone, and our color-coded calendar makes it easy to see when to begin.

How to Use the Color Guide for Seed Starting

• 🟢 Green = Time to Start Seeds Indoors
  When you see green on your zone’s timeline, it’s time to get your seeds going inside. This usually happens 6 to 12 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• The goal is to have strong seedlings by the time it’s warm enough to transplant them outdoors.

Which Vegetables Should Be Started Indoors?

Some vegetables benefit from an early indoor start, while others do best when sown directly into the ground. Here are common crops to start indoors:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers (Bell & Hot)
• Broccoli & Cauliflower
• Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts
• Eggplant
• Onions & Leeks

Vegetables like carrots, radishes, potatoes and beans should not be started indoors, as they don’t transplant well.

Seed Starting Tips for Best Results

• Use seed-starting trays and light, well-draining soil.
• Provide 14–16 hours of light per day using grow lights or a sunny window.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for germination.
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.

By checking your zone’s green phase, you’ll know exactly when to start your seeds for a successful growing season.

When to Transplant & Direct Sow Vegetables Outdoors (By Zone)

Once your seedlings are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, it’s time to move them outdoors. This stage is marked in 🟡 yellow on your planting calendar.

How to Use the Color Guide for Planting Outdoors

• 🟡 Yellow = Time to Transplant or Direct Sow
  When your zone enters the yellow phase, it’s safe to plant most crops outside.
• Transplanting: Moving seedlings from indoors to the garden.
• Direct Sowing: Planting seeds directly in the ground instead of starting them indoors.

Best Practices for Transplanting Seedlings

• Check the last frost date – Make sure your area is truly past the danger of frost.
• Harden off seedlings – Gradually expose indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before transplanting.
• Plant on a cloudy day – Reduces transplant shock and helps seedlings adjust.
• Water immediately after planting – Helps roots settle in their new home.

Which Vegetables Should Be Direct Sown?

Some vegetables grow best when planted directly into the garden rather than started indoors. These include:

• Carrots
• Radishes
• Beets
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Beans & Peas
• Squash & Pumpkins
• Cucumbers

Soil Temperature Matters!

Even if the air feels warm, soil temperature plays a crucial role in germination and root development. Here’s a quick guide:

• 50°F (10°C) – Peas, lettuce, and spinach can be planted.
• 60°F (16°C) – Corn, beans, and squash will thrive.
• 70°F (21°C) or warmer – Tomatoes, peppers, and melons need warm soil to grow well.

By watching for your zone’s yellow phase, you’ll know when it’s time to get your hands in the soil and start planting outdoors.

When to Expect Harvest (By Zone & Crop Type)

After weeks of careful growing, the most rewarding part of gardening is finally here—harvest time! The 🟠 burnt orange phase on your planting calendar signals when your vegetables should be ready to pick.

How to Use the Color Guide for Harvesting

• 🟠 Burnt Orange = Time to Harvest
  When your zone enters this phase, your crops should be reaching maturity.
• Harvesting at the right time ensures the best flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Estimated Harvest Times for Common Vegetables

Here’s a general timeline for when you can expect to start picking your homegrown veggies:

Vegetable	Days to Harvest	Best Harvest Timing
Radishes	20–30 days	When roots are 1 inch wide
Lettuce	30–50 days	When leaves are full but tender
Spinach	40–50 days	Before leaves become tough
Carrots	50–75 days	When roots are firm and bright
Beans	50–60 days	When pods are firm but not bulging
Tomatoes	60–90 days	When fully colored and slightly soft
Peppers	60–90 days	When firm and full-sized
Corn	70–100 days	When kernels are plump and milky
Squash & Zucchini	50–70 days	When skin is tender but firm
Pumpkins	90–120 days	When rind is hard and deep in color
Broccoli & Cauliflower	60-80 days	When heads are tight and compact
Cabbage	70-100 days	When heads feel firm to the touch
Cucumbers	50-70 days	When firm and crisp
Potatoes	70-120 days	When tops of plants die back

Tips for a Successful Harvest

• Harvest in the morning – Vegetables are crisp and full of moisture early in the day.
• Use sharp scissors or pruners – Prevents plant damage.
• Pick regularly – Many crops, like zucchini and beans, will produce more if harvested frequently.
• Check for ripeness – A taste test is often the best way to know if your veggies are ready.

By following your burnt orange phase in the calendar, you’ll know exactly when to pick your crops for peak flavor and nutrition. Happy Planting!

You may find the following links useful:

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Growing Veg

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