Virginia, US

Planting calendar for Richmond

Last frost around March 27, first frost around November 19: about 237 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 27
First frost: November 19
Frost-free days: 237

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Radish
Spinach
Arugula
Mint

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Richmond. 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 Richmond, 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: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow 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: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	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 outdoors and 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: 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: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	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: 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 under cover	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	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
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and 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
Arugula	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Celery	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	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: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Pea	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: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	January: Plant 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: 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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Scallion	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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brassicas
Cabbage	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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	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: 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
Brussels sprout	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Kale	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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	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 outdoors and 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: 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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and 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
Cilantro	January: Not this month	February: Sow 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	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 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
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Plant 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 outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	January: Plant 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

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors May 1 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 23; Under cover Apr 3 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 23
Under cover: Apr 3 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 1, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 30 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 2 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 22
Under cover: Apr 2 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around July 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 5 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 24; Under cover Apr 7 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: May 5 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 24
Under cover: Apr 7 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around July 22.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 5 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 7 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: May 5 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 22
Under cover: Apr 7 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 5, ready around August 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Sep 10; Under cover Apr 2 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Sep 10
Under cover: Apr 2 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around June 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 30 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Sep 6; Under cover Apr 2 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Sep 6
Under cover: Apr 2 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 30 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 24; Under cover Apr 2 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 24
Under cover: Apr 2 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 30, ready around July 5.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 25 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 28 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 31, and Jul 27 to Aug 26
Under cover: Mar 28 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 25, ready around June 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Mar 4 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 26; Under cover Feb 4 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Jun 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 26
Under cover: Feb 4 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around May 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Mar 4 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Sep 9; Under cover Feb 4 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Sep 9
Under cover: Feb 4 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Feb 23 to May 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 8, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 8, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 99 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Feb 23 to May 8, and Aug 16 to Oct 17; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 5, and Jul 19 to Nov 14

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 8, and Aug 16 to Oct 17
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 5, and Jul 19 to Nov 14
First harvest: About 23 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around March 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Feb 23 to Apr 20, and Jul 27 to Aug 26; Under cover Jan 26 to May 18, and Jun 29 to Sep 23

Plant outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 20, and Jul 27 to Aug 26
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 18, and Jun 29 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on February 23, ready around May 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Feb 23 to May 16, and Aug 9 to Sep 21; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 13, and Jul 12 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 16, and Aug 9 to Sep 21
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 13, and Jul 12 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Feb 25 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Sep 16; Under cover Jan 28 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Feb 25 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Sep 16
Under cover: Jan 28 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on February 25, ready around April 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Feb 23 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 13; Under cover Jan 26 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Nov 10

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 13
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Nov 10
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around March 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Mar 4 to Sep 21; Under cover Feb 4 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Sep 21
Under cover: Feb 4 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around April 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Feb 23 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 14; Under cover Jan 26 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Nov 11

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 14
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Nov 11
First harvest: About 32 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around March 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Feb 15 to Apr 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 11; Under cover Jan 18 to May 14, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8

Sow outdoors: Feb 15 to Apr 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 11
Under cover: Jan 18 to May 14, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 97 days after sowing. Sown on February 15, ready around May 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Apr 25 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 28 to Sep 27

Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 30
Under cover: Mar 28 to Sep 27
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on April 25, ready around June 18.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 25 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 28 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 28 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 25, ready around June 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 3 to Dec 5; Under cover Oct 6 to Jan 2

Sow outdoors: Nov 3 to Dec 5
Under cover: Oct 6 to Jan 2
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 3, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Feb 23 to May 8, and Aug 16 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 5, and Jul 19 to Aug 4, and Aug 16 to Sep 1, and Sep 13 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 8, and Aug 16 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 5, and Jul 19 to Aug 4, and Aug 16 to Sep 1, and Sep 13 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Feb 20 to Apr 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 6; Under cover Jan 23 to May 10, and Jun 29 to Jul 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 6, and Aug 24 to Sep 3

Plant outdoors: Feb 20 to Apr 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 6
Under cover: Jan 23 to May 10, and Jun 29 to Jul 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 6, and Aug 24 to Sep 3
First harvest: About 106 days after planting. Planted on February 20, ready around June 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 3 to Dec 12; Under cover Oct 6 to Jan 9

Plant outdoors: Nov 3 to Dec 12
Under cover: Oct 6 to Jan 9
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 3, ready around July 11.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Feb 23 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 13; Under cover Jan 26 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 13, and Aug 24 to Sep 10

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 13
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 13, and Aug 24 to Sep 10
First harvest: About 113 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Feb 15 to Sep 30; Under cover Jan 18 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Feb 15 to Sep 30
Under cover: Jan 18 to Oct 28
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on February 15, ready around April 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Feb 8 to Apr 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 11; Under cover Jan 11 to May 21, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8

Plant outdoors: Feb 8 to Apr 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 11
Under cover: Jan 11 to May 21, and Jun 29 to Jul 14, and Jul 27 to Aug 11, and Aug 24 to Sep 8
First harvest: About 93 days after planting. Planted on February 8, ready around May 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Feb 23 to Jun 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 25; Under cover Jan 26 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 25
Under cover: Jan 26 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 85 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around May 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Mar 4 to Jun 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 27; Under cover Feb 4 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Jun 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 27
Under cover: Feb 4 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around May 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Feb 23 to May 8; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 8
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 5
First harvest: About 92 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around May 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Feb 23 to Apr 25; Under cover Jan 26 to May 23

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 25
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 23
First harvest: About 129 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around July 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Mar 4 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Sep 4; Under cover Feb 4 to Oct 2

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Jun 17, and Jul 27 to Sep 4
Under cover: Feb 4 to Oct 2
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around May 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Mar 13 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 3; Under cover Feb 13 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 31

Sow outdoors: Mar 13 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 3
Under cover: Feb 13 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 31
First harvest: About 39 days after sowing. Sown on March 13, ready around April 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Mar 27 to Jun 26, and Jul 27 to Sep 12; Under cover Feb 27 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 27 to Jun 26, and Jul 27 to Sep 12
Under cover: Feb 27 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on March 27, ready around May 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Feb 23 to Sep 19; Under cover Jan 26 to Oct 17

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Sep 19
Under cover: Jan 26 to Oct 17
First harvest: About 59 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Mar 4 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 2; Under cover Feb 4 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 30

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to May 1, and Aug 23 to Oct 2
Under cover: Feb 4 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Oct 30
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 4, ready around April 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Feb 23 to May 11, and Jul 27 to Sep 3; Under cover Jan 26 to Jun 8, and Jun 29 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 11, and Jul 27 to Sep 3
Under cover: Jan 26 to Jun 8, and Jun 29 to Oct 1
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 Mar 4 to Oct 23; Under cover Feb 4 to Nov 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 4 to Oct 23
Under cover: Feb 4 to Nov 20
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 Feb 23 to Apr 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 26 to May 23, and Jun 29 to Sep 29

Plant outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 23, and Jun 29 to Sep 29
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 Nov 23 to Dec 29; Under cover Oct 26 to Jan 26

Plant outdoors: Nov 23 to Dec 29
Under cover: Oct 26 to Jan 26
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

RhubarbOutdoors Nov 12 to Dec 21; Under cover Oct 15 to Jan 18

Plant outdoors: Nov 12 to Dec 21
Under cover: Oct 15 to Jan 18
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 Richmond

When is the last frost in Richmond?

On average around March 27, and the first autumn frost comes around November 19. 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 Richmond?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 1 to May 26, and Jul 27 to Aug 23, or under cover Apr 3 to Sep 20.

What can I sow in Richmond in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb. Under cover: radish, spinach, arugula, mint.

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 Richmond. 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