How to Know When to Plant Vegetables

Planting vegetables at the proper time can make the difference between a robust garden brimming with healthy plants and a struggling bed of seedlings that never really got off to a good start. Planting vegetables too early will stunt their growth and a late start will not give them time to bear fruit. Read on for a guide to when to plant vegetables for optimal health.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Regional planting guide
• Calendar with lunar cycles
• Farmer's Almanac
• Hardiness zone map

1. Get a copy of the USDA hardiness zones map and locate your community. This will tell you which planting zone you live in. You can find hardiness zone maps in planting guides from your local nursery, gardening books, online and in many cases right on the seed packet you just purchased. The hardiness zone of your area will determine which vegetables can be grown successfully in your garden.

2. Check your regional planting guide to determine the predicted last spring frost in your area. Your local cooperative extension office or local nursery can provide you will a regional planting guide. This will give you a starting point for determining the best planting date for your vegetables.

3. Use a calendar to determine the dates of any full moon that falls within the date range for last spring frost. During the full moon, and for the following three days, it is likely that you will have a frost. Optimum planting time for tender crops will fall after the full moon nearest the predicted last frost date.

4. Consult the Farmer’s Almanac for additional tips on determining optimum planting dates for your vegetables. This book is invaluable as it provides tips such as: “When the leaves on the ash tree are as big as a squirrel’s paw, it is time to plant corn.” These tips are the result of years of experience with gardening and rely on cues from Mother Nature for determining planting times.

5. Seek out the advice of experienced gardeners in your area. Workers in greenhouses and nurseries often have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to planting in your area. Most are eager to share their knowledge with you, if you just ask.

6. Heed the planting instructions on the seed packet. If the packet says to wait until after the last spring frost, don’t try to gain time by planting early. Successful germination depends on soil temperature as well as air temperature. Trust the seed company to provide you with the best information about their particular cultivar.

7. Keep in mind that many factors can affect the planting date for your particular area. The date varies from year to year, depending on seasonal weather and the lunar cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect a frost for a few days before or after the full moon.
• Always check the weather channel for unexpected cold spells.
• Mother Nature will provide you with clues, if you observe carefully.
• Setting tender plants like tomatoes and peppers before it is time will result in stunted growth.
• Planting seeds before the ground has adequately warmed up may cause them to rot in the ground.