District of Columbia, US

Planting calendar for Washington

Last frost around March 26, first frost around November 21: about 240 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 26
First frost: November 21
Frost-free days: 240

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Radish
Mint

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Washington. 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 Washington, 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: Not this month	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 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
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 under cover	October: Not this month	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 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: 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: 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: 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
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: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	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: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Celery	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: 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
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	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
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	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
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: 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
Onion family
Onion	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 under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Garlic	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: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant 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: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Scallion	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
Shallot	January: Not this month	February: Plant under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant outdoors and under cover	June: Plant under cover	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	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 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
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: Sow under cover	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 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
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: 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
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: 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
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 outdoors and 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: Plant under cover	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 Apr 30 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 21; Under cover Apr 2 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 21
Under cover: Apr 2 to Sep 18
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.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 29 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 1 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 1 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 29, ready around July 22.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 4 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 21; Under cover Apr 6 to Sep 18

Sow outdoors: May 4 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 21
Under cover: Apr 6 to Sep 18
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around July 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 4 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 20; Under cover Apr 6 to Sep 17

Sow outdoors: May 4 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 20
Under cover: Apr 6 to Sep 17
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 4, ready around August 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 29 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Sep 8; Under cover Apr 1 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Sep 8
Under cover: Apr 1 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 29, ready around June 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 29 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Sep 3; Under cover Apr 1 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Sep 3
Under cover: Apr 1 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 29, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 29 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 1 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 22
Under cover: Apr 1 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 29, ready around July 4.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 24 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 24; Under cover Mar 27 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 24
Under cover: Mar 27 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Mar 15 to Jun 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 23; Under cover Feb 15 to Sep 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Jun 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 23
Under cover: Feb 15 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 76 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Mar 15 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Sep 5; Under cover Feb 15 to Oct 3

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Sep 5
Under cover: Feb 15 to Oct 3
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 4; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Jul 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 4
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Jul 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 4, and Aug 24 to Sep 1
First harvest: About 93 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around June 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Mar 7 to May 11, and Aug 14 to Oct 13; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 17 to Nov 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 11, and Aug 14 to Oct 13
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 17 to Nov 10
First harvest: About 21 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around March 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Mar 7 to May 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 23; Under cover Feb 7 to May 30, and Jun 29 to Sep 20

Plant outdoors: Mar 7 to May 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 23
Under cover: Feb 7 to May 30, and Jun 29 to Sep 20
First harvest: About 73 days after planting. Planted on March 7, ready around May 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Mar 7 to May 18, and Aug 7 to Sep 17; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 15, and Jul 10 to Oct 15

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 18, and Aug 7 to Sep 17
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 15, and Jul 10 to Oct 15
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around April 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Mar 9 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 12; Under cover Feb 9 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Mar 9 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 12
Under cover: Feb 9 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 52 days after sowing. Sown on March 9, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Mar 7 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 8; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 5

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 8
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 5
First harvest: About 33 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Mar 15 to Sep 17; Under cover Feb 15 to Oct 15

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Sep 17
Under cover: Feb 15 to Oct 15
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Mar 7 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 9; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 6

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 9
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 6
First harvest: About 30 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around April 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Mar 2 to May 1, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Feb 2 to May 29, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Mar 2 to May 1, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
Under cover: Feb 2 to May 29, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on March 2, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Apr 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 27 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 27 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around June 19.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 24 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Sep 5; Under cover Mar 27 to Oct 3

Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to Jun 24, and Jul 27 to Sep 5
Under cover: Mar 27 to Oct 3
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 24, ready around June 12.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Oct 31 to Nov 28; Under cover Oct 3 to Dec 26

Sow outdoors: Oct 31 to Nov 28
Under cover: Oct 3 to Dec 26
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on October 31, ready around June 8.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Mar 7 to May 11, and Aug 14 to Aug 29; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 17 to Aug 1, and Aug 14 to Aug 29, and Sep 11 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 11, and Aug 14 to Aug 29
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 8, and Jul 17 to Aug 1, and Aug 14 to Aug 29, and Sep 11 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 58 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around May 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Mar 5 to Apr 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 3; Under cover Feb 5 to May 23, and Jun 29 to Jul 6, and Jul 27 to Aug 3, and Aug 24 to Aug 31

Plant outdoors: Mar 5 to Apr 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 3
Under cover: Feb 5 to May 23, and Jun 29 to Jul 6, and Jul 27 to Aug 3, and Aug 24 to Aug 31
First harvest: About 99 days after planting. Planted on March 5, ready around June 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 31 to Dec 4; Under cover Oct 3 to Jan 1

Plant outdoors: Oct 31 to Dec 4
Under cover: Oct 3 to Jan 1
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 31, ready around July 8.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Mar 7 to Jun 22, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Feb 7 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to Jun 22, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
Under cover: Feb 7 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around June 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Mar 2 to Sep 26; Under cover Feb 2 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Mar 2 to Sep 26
Under cover: Feb 2 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on March 2, ready around April 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Feb 25 to May 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Jan 28 to Jun 7, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

Plant outdoors: Feb 25 to May 10, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
Under cover: Jan 28 to Jun 7, and Jun 29 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 8, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on February 25, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Mar 7 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 22; Under cover Feb 7 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 22
Under cover: Feb 7 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 80 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around May 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Mar 15 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 24; Under cover Feb 15 to Sep 21

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Jun 9, and Jul 27 to Aug 24
Under cover: Feb 15 to Sep 21
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Mar 7 to May 11; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 8

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 11
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 8
First harvest: About 87 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Mar 7 to May 7; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 4

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 7
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 4
First harvest: About 122 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around July 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Mar 15 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 31; Under cover Feb 15 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 31
Under cover: Feb 15 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Mar 22 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 29; Under cover Feb 22 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 27

Sow outdoors: Mar 22 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 29
Under cover: Feb 22 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 27
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on March 22, ready around April 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Mar 26 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 9; Under cover Feb 26 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Jun 25, and Jul 27 to Sep 9
Under cover: Feb 26 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on March 26, ready around May 8.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Mar 7 to Sep 15; Under cover Feb 7 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to Sep 15
Under cover: Feb 7 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on March 7, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Mar 15 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 28; Under cover Feb 15 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 28
Under cover: Feb 15 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around April 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 31; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Mar 7 to May 23, and Jul 27 to Aug 31
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 20, and Jun 29 to Sep 28
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 15 to Oct 18; Under cover Feb 15 to Nov 15

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Oct 18
Under cover: Feb 15 to Nov 15
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 Mar 7 to May 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 28; Under cover Feb 7 to Jun 4, and Jun 29 to Sep 25

Plant outdoors: Mar 7 to May 7, and Jul 27 to Aug 28
Under cover: Feb 7 to Jun 4, and Jun 29 to Sep 25
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 18 to Dec 15; Under cover Oct 21 to Jan 12

Plant outdoors: Nov 18 to Dec 15
Under cover: Oct 21 to Jan 12
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 8 to Dec 10; Under cover Oct 11 to Jan 7

Plant outdoors: Nov 8 to Dec 10
Under cover: Oct 11 to Jan 7
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

Also covers

Alexandria, and nearby villages. Dates are within a few days across the area.

Questions about growing in Washington

When is the last frost in Washington?

On average around March 26, and the first autumn frost comes around November 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 Washington?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 30 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 21, or under cover Apr 2 to Sep 18.

What can I sow in Washington in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, raspberry, rhubarb. Under cover: radish, 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 Washington. 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