When we calculate fall planting dates (which are really in the summer), we must account for several factors, such as the time to harvest once the crop is mature and whether a crop is tender or hardy when it comes to frost. Planting in late summer for a fall harvest has many benefits (soil is already warm, temperatures are cooler, fewer pests). However, the challenge is getting your crops harvested before the winter frosts begin. Read more about direct-sowing seeds here! How Is Planting for a Fall Harvest Different? The same is true for squash and watermelon, though care must be taken to plant them when the soil is warm enough. Root crops, including carrots, radishes, and beets, are especially well-suited to being started directly in the garden, since they do not like having their roots disturbed after planting. Most other crops do best when sown directly into the garden soil. These include tender vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, as well as crops with a long growing season, like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. The crops that should be started indoors are those that are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures or that have a very long growing season and need a head start. Not all vegetables should be started indoors! In fact, most are better off being started directly in the garden (aka "direct-sown"). Read more about starting seeds indoors here. This gives the plants plenty of time to grow large and healthy enough to survive their eventual transplanting to the garden. Indoors, you can control these elements to maximize your plants' early growth and give them the best shot at thriving when they are eventually transplanted outdoors.įor most crops that can be started indoors, seeds should be started about 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Outdoors, the unpredictability of rain, drought, frost, low and high temperatures, sunlight, and pests and diseases can take a toll on young plants, especially when they're just getting started. Starting seeds indoors also provides young, tender plants a chance to grow in a stable, controlled environment. Starting seeds indoors (in seed trays or starter pots) gives your crops a head start on the growing season, which is especially important in regions with a short growing season. 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! Frequently Asked Questions Why Do You Start Seeds Indoors? It's a little complex for a fall planting. We use Moon-favorable dates at the very start of the gardening season. Planting by the Moon is considered a more traditional technique. The " Moon Dates" indicate the best planting dates based on your local frost dates and Moon phases.See each plant's individual Growing Guide for more specific planting information. 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.This includes plants grown from seed indoors at home and small starter plants bought from a nursery. The " Plant Seedlings or Transplants" dates indicate the best time to plant young plants outdoors. 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 " Frost Dates" indicate the best planting dates based on your local average frost dates.Our planting calendar is customized to your nearest weather station in order to give you the most accurate information possible. This planting calendar is a guide that tells you the best time to start planting your garden based on frost dates. Planting Dates for Spring On average, your last spring frost occurs on March 21 (at SEATTLE BOEING FLD, WA climate station, elevation 19 feet). Planting Dates for Fall On average, your first fall frost occurs on November 10 (at SEATTLE BOEING FLD, WA climate station). Use the icon below for the best print or email format. 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.
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