What can I plant—and what will I do with the harvest?
Choose your USDA hardiness zone and month for named vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers, plus how to start them, when to expect a harvest and practical ways to use or preserve it.
Your planting list
Your zone is only the first clue.
USDA hardiness zones describe average annual extreme minimum winter temperature—not your exact frost dates, summer heat, rainfall or waterfront microclimate. Use this list as a starting point, then adjust for your local forecast, seed packet and extension guidance.
In warm zones, some “spring” vegetables perform better as fall and winter crops. In very cold zones, season extension may be necessary.
Check these three things before planting.
Know your dates
Compare your average last and first frost dates with the crop’s days to maturity.
Check temperature
Seeds respond to soil temperature, not enthusiasm. A simple soil thermometer prevents wasted seed.
Watch the next ten days
Delay transplanting during hard freezes, heat waves or drying wind, even when the calendar says go.
Keep your planting list within reach
Use this interactive planner throughout the season, then visit our Garden hub for crop-specific planting and harvest guidance.
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