For the Almanac’s fall and spring planting calendars, we’ve calculated the best time to start seeds indoors, when to transplant young plants outside, and when to direct seed into the ground.

HOW TO USE THE PLANTING CALENDAR
This planting calendar is a guide that tells you the best time to start planting your garden, based on frost dates. Our planting calendar is customized to your location in order to give you the most accurate information possible. Please note:

The Frost Dates indicate the best planting dates based on your local average frost dates. Average frost dates are based on historical weather data and are the planting guideline used by most gardeners. Although frost dates are a good way to know approximately when to start gardening, always check a local forecast before planting outdoors!
The Plant Seedlings or Transplants dates indicate the best time to plant young plants outdoors. This includes plants grown from seed indoors at home and small starter plants bought from a nursery.
When no dates (“N/A”) appear in the chart, that starting method is typically not recommended for that particular plant, although it likely still possible. See each plant’s individual Growing Guide for more specific information.
The Moon Dates indicate the best planting dates based on your local frost dates and Moon phases. Planting by the Moon is considered a more traditional technique. We use Moon-favorable dates at the very start of the gardening season. It’s a little complex for a fall planting.
To plan your garden more accurately in the future, keep a record of your garden’s conditions each year, including frost dates and seed-starting dates!