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.
This complete zone-by-zone guide covers more than 50 crops with climate-adapted timing for the 2026 season. Use it to find the right planting window for your USDA Hardiness Zone, whether you are starting seeds indoors, transplanting seedlings, or direct sowing in the garden.
How to Use This Calendar
- Find your zone: Use the USDA Hardiness Zone lookup 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
It's better to plant a week late than lose crops to unexpected frost. When in doubt, wait for stable soil temperatures and a clear 10-day forecast.
Try our Free Vegetable Planting Calendar by ZIP Code
Enter your ZIP code for a free, personalized planting calendar. See when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest 45+ vegetables, herbs, and flowers based on your USDA hardiness zone and frost dates.
Open Planting CalendarZones 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 a 1-2 week delay in spring warming
- Heat waves: In 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
Average last-frost dates are starting points, not guarantees. A late cold snap can wipe out tender transplants set out on the "safe" date. Confirm your local first frost date and keep row covers ready through the shoulder weeks.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my USDA Hardiness Zone?
Use the USDA Hardiness Zone lookup or enter your ZIP code in the interactive planting calendar. Your zone determines your average last and first frost dates, which set the timing for nearly everything in this calendar.
Why add 1-2 weeks to northern zones in 2026?
La Niña conditions are expected to delay spring warming in northern regions. Soil and air temperatures may lag the historical average, so pushing planting dates slightly later reduces the risk of cold, wet soil that rots seeds and stalls transplants.
Should I go by air temperature or soil temperature?
Soil temperature is the more reliable signal for seeds and roots. Use a soil thermometer and confirm temperatures hold for several days before sowing warm-season crops, rather than relying on a single warm afternoon.
When should I start seeds indoors?
Most warm-season crops start indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For a full schedule, see when to start seeds indoors for 2026.