When to Plant Spring Vegetables
Plant spring vegetables according to your local average last frost date and soil condition: cool-season crops can go in 2 to 6 weeks before that date, while tender warm-season crops wait until frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. The calendar date varies widely across the United States, so use your county Extension frost-date guidance as the starting point.
Peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, kale, and many brassicas tolerate cool conditions. Direct-seed or transplant them when soil is workable and no longer forms a wet clump when squeezed, commonly once soil temperatures are roughly 40°F or higher for the earliest crops.
Plant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions as hardened-off transplants about 2 to 4 weeks before the average last frost in many regions. These crops establish best in cool weather, but protect newly set transplants from unusually hard freezes with row cover or other suitable protection.
Wait to plant beans, cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes, basil, and sweet potatoes until after the local last frost date. Most perform better when the soil is consistently warmer, generally at least 60°F for many warm-season crops and closer to 65°F or warmer for heat-loving crops.
A forecast matters more than a long-range average during planting week. Watch nighttime lows for the next 7 to 10 days, especially in low spots where frost settles, and keep frost protection ready for tender crops planted near the seasonal transition.
Use succession plantings for fast crops. Sow radishes, lettuce, spinach, and peas in small batches every 1 to 2 weeks while weather remains favorable, rather than planting an entire season's supply on one day.
Prepare beds without working saturated soil, which damages structure. Add compost as needed, level the seedbed, plant at the recommended depth, and water gently enough to keep the seed zone evenly moist until emergence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant vegetables before the last frost date?
Yes, if they are cool-season crops that tolerate frost. Tender warm-season vegetables should wait until frost danger has passed.
What is the fastest way to know my planting date?
Find your local average last frost date through county Extension guidance, then count backward or forward using the crop's planting recommendation.
Is warm air enough to plant tomatoes?
No. Cold soil and chilly nights can stall tomatoes. Wait for frost-free weather and consistently warming soil.
General guidance for US home gardens. Conditions vary by region and season; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for site-specific advice. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.