California, US

Planting calendar for Lancaster

Last frost around February 25, first frost around December 21: about 299 frost-free days.

Last frost: February 25
First frost: December 21
Frost-free days: 299

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Parsnip
Spinach
Arugula
Celery
Fava bean
Onion
Garlic
Leek
Scallion
Shallot
Brussels sprout
Mint

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Lancaster. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Lancaster, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Radish	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Potato	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Turnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Spinach	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Swiss chard	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Celery	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Pea	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Garlic	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Scallion	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Shallot	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Broccoli	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Brussels sprout	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Kale	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Cilantro	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Sow under cover
Mint	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Not this month	December: Plant under cover
Raspberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
RhubarbWinters too mild here	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors Apr 5 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 8 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 5 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 10
Under cover: Mar 8 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on April 5, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 4 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 7 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 7 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 9 to May 5, and Aug 6 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 2, and Jul 9 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 5, and Aug 6 to Sep 10
Under cover: Mar 12 to Jun 2, and Jul 9 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around June 26.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 9 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 12 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 12 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around July 8.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 4 to May 15, and Aug 6 to Sep 27; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 9 to Oct 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 15, and Aug 6 to Sep 27
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 9 to Oct 25
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 4 to May 15, and Aug 6 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 9 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 15, and Aug 6 to Sep 23
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 12, and Jul 9 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 4 to May 5, and Aug 6 to Sep 11; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 9 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 5, and Aug 6 to Sep 11
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 2, and Jul 9 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 70 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Mar 29 to May 4, and Aug 6 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 9 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 4, and Aug 6 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 9 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Jan 31 to May 11, and Aug 8 to Sep 28; Under cover Jan 3 to Jun 8, and Jul 11 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to May 11, and Aug 8 to Sep 28
Under cover: Jan 3 to Jun 8, and Jul 11 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Jan 31 to May 16, and Aug 6 to Oct 2; Under cover Jan 3 to Jun 13, and Jul 9 to Oct 30

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to May 16, and Aug 6 to Oct 2
Under cover: Jan 3 to Jun 13, and Jul 9 to Oct 30
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around April 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Aug 8 to Sep 26, and Nov 18 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 11 to Apr 24

Sow outdoors: Aug 8 to Sep 26, and Nov 18 to Mar 27
Under cover: Jul 11 to Apr 24
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 8, ready around October 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Jan 10 to May 6, and Sep 3 to Nov 6; Under cover Aug 6 to Dec 4, and Dec 13 to Jun 3

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to May 6, and Sep 3 to Nov 6
Under cover: Aug 6 to Dec 4, and Dec 13 to Jun 3
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around February 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Aug 16 to Sep 29, and Dec 21 to Mar 6; Under cover Jul 19 to Oct 27, and Nov 23 to Apr 3

Plant outdoors: Aug 16 to Sep 29, and Dec 21 to Mar 6
Under cover: Jul 19 to Oct 27, and Nov 23 to Apr 3
First harvest: About 60 days after planting. Planted on August 16, ready around October 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Jan 10 to May 13, and Aug 28 to Oct 14; Under cover Jul 31 to Nov 11, and Dec 13 to Jun 10

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to May 13, and Aug 28 to Oct 14
Under cover: Jul 31 to Nov 11, and Dec 13 to Jun 10
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 13; Under cover Aug 12 to Nov 10, and Dec 13 to May 27

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 13
Under cover: Aug 12 to Nov 10, and Dec 13 to May 27
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around April 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Nov 12; Under cover Aug 12 to May 27

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Nov 12
Under cover: Aug 12 to May 27
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Jan 31 to Oct 14; Under cover Jan 3 to Nov 11

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Oct 14
Under cover: Jan 3 to Nov 11
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Nov 9; Under cover Aug 12 to May 27

Sow outdoors: Jan 10 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Nov 9
Under cover: Aug 12 to May 27
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on January 10, ready around March 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Aug 16 to Oct 8, and Nov 6 to Mar 10; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 7

Sow outdoors: Aug 16 to Oct 8, and Nov 6 to Mar 10
Under cover: Jul 19 to Apr 7
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around November 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Mar 29 to May 14, and Aug 6 to Sep 16; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 11, and Jul 9 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 14, and Aug 6 to Sep 16
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 11, and Jul 9 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Mar 29 to May 29, and Aug 6 to Sep 25; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 26, and Jul 9 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Mar 29 to May 29, and Aug 6 to Sep 25
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 26, and Jul 9 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 27.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 7 to Dec 29; Under cover Oct 10 to Jan 26

Sow outdoors: Nov 7 to Dec 29
Under cover: Oct 10 to Jan 26
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 7, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Sep 3 to Sep 26; Under cover Aug 6 to Oct 24, and Dec 12 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Jan 9 to Apr 11, and Sep 3 to Sep 26
Under cover: Aug 6 to Oct 24, and Dec 12 to May 9
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on January 9, ready around February 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Aug 8 to Mar 1; Under cover Jul 11 to Mar 29

Plant outdoors: Aug 8 to Mar 1
Under cover: Jul 11 to Mar 29
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on August 8, ready around October 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 7 to Jan 9; Under cover Oct 10 to Feb 6

Plant outdoors: Nov 7 to Jan 9
Under cover: Oct 10 to Feb 6
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 7, ready around July 15.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Aug 6 to Apr 26; Under cover Jul 9 to May 24

Sow outdoors: Aug 6 to Apr 26
Under cover: Jul 9 to May 24
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on August 6, ready around November 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors all year

Sow outdoors: all year
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on January 1, ready around February 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Aug 8 to Oct 8, and Nov 6 to Mar 24; Under cover Jul 11 to Apr 21

Plant outdoors: Aug 8 to Oct 8, and Nov 6 to Mar 24
Under cover: Jul 11 to Apr 21
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on August 8, ready around October 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Aug 16 to Oct 8, and Nov 30 to May 11; Under cover Jul 19 to Jun 8

Sow outdoors: Aug 16 to Oct 8, and Nov 30 to May 11
Under cover: Jul 19 to Jun 8
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around October 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Jan 31 to May 6, and Aug 16 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 3 to Jun 3, and Jul 19 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to May 6, and Aug 16 to Sep 24
Under cover: Jan 3 to Jun 3, and Jul 19 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 98 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Sep 3 to Sep 24, and Dec 2 to Apr 11; Under cover Aug 6 to Oct 22, and Nov 4 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Sep 3 to Sep 24, and Dec 2 to Apr 11
Under cover: Aug 6 to Oct 22, and Nov 4 to May 9
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on September 3, ready around November 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Aug 16 to Mar 11; Under cover Jul 19 to Apr 8

Sow outdoors: Aug 16 to Mar 11
Under cover: Jul 19 to Apr 8
First harvest: About 108 days after sowing. Sown on August 16, ready around December 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Jan 31 to May 16, and Aug 8 to Sep 30; Under cover Jan 3 to Jun 13, and Jul 11 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to May 16, and Aug 8 to Sep 30
Under cover: Jan 3 to Jun 13, and Jul 11 to Oct 28
First harvest: About 88 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around April 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Feb 21 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 26; Under cover Jan 24 to May 27, and Aug 12 to Nov 23

Sow outdoors: Feb 21 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 26
Under cover: Jan 24 to May 27, and Aug 12 to Nov 23
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on February 21, ready around April 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Feb 25 to May 27, and Aug 6 to Sep 28; Under cover Jan 28 to Jun 24, and Jul 9 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Feb 25 to May 27, and Aug 6 to Sep 28
Under cover: Jan 28 to Jun 24, and Jul 9 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 64 days after sowing. Sown on February 25, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Jul 28 to Oct 22, and Dec 27 to Jun 17; Under cover Nov 29 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Jul 28 to Oct 22, and Dec 27 to Jun 17
Under cover: Nov 29 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on July 28, ready around September 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Jan 31 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 27; Under cover Jan 3 to May 27, and Aug 12 to Nov 24

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Apr 29, and Sep 9 to Oct 27
Under cover: Jan 3 to May 27, and Aug 12 to Nov 24
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around March 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Aug 6 to Sep 29; Under cover Jul 9 to Oct 27, and Dec 12 to Apr 24

Sow outdoors: Jan 9 to Mar 27, and Aug 6 to Sep 29
Under cover: Jul 9 to Oct 27, and Dec 12 to Apr 24
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Jan 31 to Dec 21; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Dec 21
Under cover: all year
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Jan 2 to Mar 11, and Aug 6 to Oct 1; Under cover Jul 9 to Oct 29, and Dec 5 to Apr 8

Plant outdoors: Jan 2 to Mar 11, and Aug 6 to Oct 1
Under cover: Jul 9 to Oct 29, and Dec 5 to Apr 8
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Dec 1 to Jan 9; Under cover Nov 3 to Feb 6

Plant outdoors: Dec 1 to Jan 9
Under cover: Nov 3 to Feb 6
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbNot here: winters too mild here

Plant outdoors: Not here: winters too mild here
Under cover: No
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Lancaster

When is the last frost in Lancaster?

On average around February 25, and the first autumn frost comes around December 21. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Lancaster?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 5 to Apr 30, and Aug 6 to Sep 10, or under cover Mar 8 to May 28, and Jul 9 to Oct 8.

What can I sow in Lancaster in November?

Outdoors: parsnip, spinach, arugula, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, scallion, shallot, Brussels sprout, mint. Under cover: radish, potato, turnip, lettuce, Swiss chard, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, raspberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Lancaster. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work