Plan for your climate, not a generic season
A planting calendar built around your frost date.
Choose when you expect to plant outdoors, then see when to start seeds inside. Each result explains where its garden guidance comes from.
Seed-starting calculator
Find when to start seeds indoors
First choose a reasonable outdoor planting date using your local frost estimate, the crop's temperature needs, the current forecast and the seed packet.
We count backward from the outdoor planting date using university timing guidance.
Seasonal workspace
Create your garden plan
Every planting rule links to its original source.
Choose a planning path
Start with the condition that matters for each crop.
Use your Zone to understand winter cold. For planting dates, check the frost, soil or nighttime temperature each crop needs.
Zone guideZone 7a winter guideUnderstand winter cold, then check your local frost date →USDA referenceWhat does my USDA zone mean?Understand results such as Zone 7a or 7b →Crop guideWhen to plant peppersCalculate seed timing, then wait for nights above 50°F →Soil-temperature guideWhen to plant cucumbersCheck the last frost and wait for soil to reach 70°F →Cool-season guideWhen to plant lettuceCalculate separate spring and fall dates →Harvest planning toolWhat date will this variety mature?Add packet days to the correct starting date and compare with frost →
01
Find your local dates
Look up your USDA Zone and estimate the usual last spring freeze near your ZIP Code.
02
Choose when to plant outside
Use frost risk, the crop's temperature needs, the forecast and its seed packet.
03
Check again before planting
Review the current forecast, soil temperature and warmer or colder spots in your yard.