The Best Time to Plant a Vegetable Garden

This will depend on a few factors, including the region of the country you live in, what vegetables you've chosen to grow, and whether you're going to start with seeds or buy small seedlings ready to transplant.

When you are trying to find the best time to plant a vegetable garden, check the USDA first. You want to know what the last frost date is for your region.

If you're starting with vegetable seeds, the package will tell you if they should be planted directly into the ground or started indoors, and when to plant them.

If starting seeds indoors, you can start several weeks before the last frost date. If you're buying plants to transplant, they are ready to go into the ground when they are available at garden centers.

You'll notice different plants available at different times in the garden centers, as they are made available at the best time to plant a vegetable garden with them. The seed or plant package will also tell you how long the plant takes to reach maturity for harvesting.

There are many new varieties available that allow seasonal gardeners to grow vegetables that were once impossible due to short growing seasons. Look for heat- or cold-tolerant cultivars and fast-maturing varieties.

Cool Weather Vegetables

These are vegetables that prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate a light frost. Onions, spinach, peas, lettuce, zucchini and radishes are popular home garden choices included in this group. You can also include cabbage, broccoli and beets in this early planting, as long as the soil isn't frozen.

Warm Weather Vegetables

These plants need to be planted after the last frost and usually need warmer temperatures to grow. If you may still get an overnight temperature drop, hold off on plants like tomatoes, corn, peppers, melons, snap beans and squash.

Hot Weather Vegetables

Plants like eggplant, watermelons, okra and sweet potatoes don't tolerate cold soil or even a light frost. Wait at least three weeks after the last frost date to plant these, unless you can cover them with a cold frame.

In warmer climates, you can do a second planting of cool weather vegetables in the early fall. They will grow over the mild fall and winter and produce an early spring crop.

Whatever your plant selection, you'll find varieties that will satisfy your appetite and grow well in your region. Knowing the best time to plant a vegetable garden gives you a long and productive growing season and an abundant harvest.

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