Ultimate 2026 Planting Calendar - Complete Guide for All Zones
Complete 2026 planting calendar for all USDA zones. Printable PDF with exact planting dates for 50+ vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Complete Zone-by-Zone Guide • 50+ Crops • Climate-Adapted Timing
PlantWhenNow.com Exclusive Resource
How to Use This Calendar
- Find your zone: Use the USDA Hardiness Zone finder or check your ZIP code
- Start dates: "Indoor" means seed starting indoors, "Direct" means plant outside
- 2026 adjustments: Add 1-2 weeks to northern zones due to La Niña effects
- Local conditions: Always check soil temperature and 10-day forecasts
- Success tip: It's better to plant a week late than lose crops to unexpected frost
Planting Calendar Legend
Indoor: Start seeds indoors under lights • Transplant: Move seedlings outdoors • Direct: Sow seeds directly in garden • Succession: Plant again for continuous harvest
Zones 3-4: Northern Growing (Last Frost: May 15 - June 1)
Major areas: Northern Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Alaska • Growing season: 90-120 days
| Crop | March | April | May | June | July |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Indoor start | Grow indoors | - | Transplant early | - |
| Lettuce | Indoor start | Indoor start | Transplant out | Succession | Heat-tolerant |
| Peas | - | Indoor start | Direct sow | Succession | - |
| Carrots | - | - | Direct sow | Succession | Succession |
| Beans | - | - | - | Direct sow | Succession |
Zones 5-6: Moderate Climate (Last Frost: April 1 - May 1)
Major areas: Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia • Growing season: 150-180 days
| Crop | February | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Indoor start | Grow indoors | Harden off | Transplant | - |
| Peppers | Indoor start | Grow indoors | Grow indoors | Transplant | - |
| Lettuce | Indoor start | Direct sow | Succession | Heat-tolerant | Fall prep |
| Peas | - | Direct sow | Succession | Last spring | - |
| Beans | - | - | - | Direct sow | Succession |
| Corn | - | - | - | Direct sow | Succession |
Zones 7-8: Extended Season (Last Frost: March 1 - April 1)
Major areas: Washington DC, Richmond, Atlanta, Dallas • Growing season: 200-240 days
| Crop | January | February | March | April | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Indoor start | Grow indoors | Harden off | Transplant | 2nd planting |
| Peppers | Indoor start | Grow indoors | Grow indoors | Transplant | - |
| Lettuce | Indoor start | Direct sow | Succession | Heat-tolerant | Break for heat |
| Peas | - | Direct sow | Succession | Last spring | - |
| Beans | - | - | Direct sow | Succession | Succession |
| Okra | - | Indoor start | Direct sow | Main season | Peak harvest |
Zones 9-10: Year-Round Growing (Frost: Rare/None)
Major areas: South Florida, Hawaii, Southern California, South Texas • Growing season: Nearly year-round
| Crop | December | January | February | March | April |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Indoor start | Transplant | Main season | 2nd planting | Heat-tolerant |
| Peppers | Indoor start | Transplant | Main season | Succession | Hot varieties |
| Lettuce | Direct sow | Succession | Last cool | Heat-tolerant | Summer break |
| Eggplant | Indoor start | Grow indoors | Transplant | Main season | Peak season |
| Sweet Potatoes | - | Start slips | Plant slips | Succession | Last planting |
Essential Herbs - All Zones Timing
| Herb | Zone 3-4 | Zone 5-6 | Zone 7-8 | Zone 9-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | June indoor start | March indoor start | February indoor start | January indoor start |
| Cilantro | May direct sow | April direct sow | March direct sow | December-January |
| Dill | June direct sow | April direct sow | March direct sow | January direct sow |
| Oregano | May transplant | April transplant | March transplant | February transplant |
| Thyme | May transplant | April transplant | March transplant | Year-round |
2026 Climate Adaptation Tips
- La Niña Impact: Northern zones may have 1-2 week delay in spring warming
- Heat Waves: Southwest regions - provide afternoon shade for cool-season crops
- Irregular Frosts: Keep row covers handy even after "safe" planting dates
- Soil Temperature: More important than air temp - use a soil thermometer
- Succession Planting: Plant lettuce every 2 weeks, beans every 3 weeks
- Season Extension: Cold frames extend harvest 4-6 weeks in fall
Monthly Garden Tasks - Universal
| Month | Primary Tasks | Planning |
|---|---|---|
| January | Order seeds, start warm-season indoors (zones 7+) | Plan garden layout, review last year's notes |
| February | Start warm-season indoors (zones 5-6), direct sow cool-season (zones 7+) | Prepare seed starting equipment |
| March | Start transplants, direct sow cool-season (zones 5-6) | Prepare garden beds, soil amendments |
| April | Transplant warm-season (zones 7+), cool-season everywhere | Install supports, irrigation systems |
| May | Transplant warm-season (zones 5-6), direct sow warm crops | Mulch, succession plantings |
| August | Start fall/winter crops, succession plantings | Plan fall garden, order fall seeds |
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