Seed Starting Calendar Chart | When to Start Seeds Indoors

This calendar is based on an average last frost date of May 20. There should be less than a 10% chance of a frost after this date. Before moving plants outdoors on or around May 20, check the latest weather forecast to see if a frost is likely in the next few days. If the predicted low is under 40° F on any of the next few days, it is best to delay moving plants out until the chance of frost has passed. If a late frost is predicted after tender plants have been planted out, protect them with a layer of paper or cloth (not plastic) draped lightly over the plants.

Date Variety Notes February 25 Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsley Sow Seed Indoors March 15 Cauliflower, Celery, Onions Sow Seed Indoors March 25 Cucumber, Swiss Chard Sow Seed Indoors Turnip Sow Seed Outdoors April 1 Eggplant, Lettuce, Peppers Sow Seed Indoors April 8 Basil, Tomatoes Sow Seed Indoors Peas, Spinach Sow Seed Outdoors April 15 Collards Sow Seed Indoors Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Parsley Sow Seed Outdoors Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Parsley Transplant Outdoors April 22 Carrots, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions, Potatoes, Radish, Sweet Peas Sow Seed Outdoors Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions Transplant Outdoors April 29 Beets, Leek, Swiss Chard Sow Seed Outdoors May 6 Pumpkins, Summer Squash Sow Seed Indoors Celery Sow Seed or Transplant Outdoors May 20 Melons, Winter Squash Sow Seed Indoors Corn, Summer Squash Sow Seed Outdoors May 27 Beans, Eggplant, Sweet Potatoes Sow Seed Outdoors Basil, Cucumber, Tomatoes Sow Seed or Transplant Outdoors Summer Squash, Tomatoes Transplant Outdoors June 3 Melons, Peppers, Pumpkins, Winter Squash Sow Seed or Transplant Outdoors Eggplant Transplant Outdoors June 17 Okra Sow Seed or Transplant Outdoors