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Washington, DC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Washington usually comes around Mar 26 and the first fall frost around Nov 13, a growing season of about 232 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 12 – Feb 26 and plant them outside Apr 9 – Apr 23.

Last spring frostMar 26
First fall frostNov 13
Growing season232 days

When to plant vegetables in Washington

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 12 – Feb 26Apr 9 – Apr 23—
PeppersFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 16 – Apr 30—
EggplantFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 16 – Apr 30—
Cucumbers—Apr 9 – Apr 23—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 9 – Apr 23—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 16 – Apr 30—
Green beans—Apr 9 – Apr 23Aug 21 – Sep 4
Sweet corn—Apr 9 – Apr 23—
BasilFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 9 – Apr 23—
LettuceJan 29 – Feb 12Feb 26 – Apr 9Sep 18 – Oct 2
Spinach—Feb 12 – Mar 5Sep 18 – Oct 2
Peas—Feb 12 – Mar 5Sep 4 – Sep 18
Carrots—Feb 26 – Apr 2Aug 21 – Sep 4
Radishes—Feb 19 – Apr 9Oct 2 – Oct 16
BroccoliJan 15 – Jan 29Feb 26 – Mar 12Aug 21 – Sep 4
KaleJan 29 – Feb 12Feb 19 – Mar 5Sep 4 – Sep 18
Onions—Feb 26 – Mar 12—
Potatoes—Mar 5 – Apr 2—
Garlic——Oct 30 – Dec 4

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Washington. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Washington

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  3. MarchStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Washington?

The median last spring frost is Mar 26 and the median first fall frost is Nov 13, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Washington?

Start seeds indoors Feb 12 – Feb 26 and set plants outside Apr 9 – Apr 23, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Washington?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 13): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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