Washington, DC Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Washington

No planting windows from our rules fall in October; see the month-by-month list below.

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Mar 29, 50% risk), balanced = Apr 3 (30%), safe = Apr 11 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Before sowing, check the soil too. CSU recommends taking its temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans). Since NOAA publishes no soil-temperature normals, we give CSU's minimum soil temperature for each crop rather than a date.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Washington

What to plant in Washington in January

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Jan 16–30)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Jan 16–30)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 30 – Feb 13)

What to plant in Washington in February

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 13 – Mar 6)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Jan 30 – Feb 13)

What to plant in Washington in March

• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 1–28)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Mar 14–28)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Feb 13 – Mar 6)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Feb 20 – Mar 6)

What to plant in Washington in April

• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 12–25)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 12–25)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12–25)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12–25)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 12–25)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 15 – Apr 11)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Mar 29 – Apr 11)

What to plant in Washington in May

• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 2)

What to plant in Washington in June

• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 13–27)

What to plant in Washington in July

• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jul 3–17)

What to plant in Washington in August

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 1)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Aug 12)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Aug 16)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Aug 17)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Aug 21)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 21)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 22)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Aug 26)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Aug 26)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Aug 26)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Aug 26)

What to plant in Washington in September

• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Sep 5)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Sep 5)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Sep 15)
• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Sep 25)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Washington

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Washington, the frost rule alone would allow about Apr 12, but the average nightly low at National Arboretum DC isn't above 52°F until May 2, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about May 2. Start seeds indoors Mar 14–28, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 2. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at National Arboretum DC climbs to 55°F on May 11. Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, tomato plants set out on May 2 would start producing around Jul 6. That's 125 days before the typical first frost (Nov 8).

When to plant peppers in Washington

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts peppers outside around Apr 12 (typical date), Apr 17 (balanced) or Apr 25 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6, 6–8 weeks ahead of transplanting on Apr 17. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at National Arboretum DC climbs to 55°F on May 11. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on Apr 17 would start producing around Jun 26. That's 135 days before the typical first frost (Nov 8).

When to plant potatoes in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, potatoes can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 15–29 in Washington (typical date) or Mar 28 – Apr 11 (safer date). The soil should be at least 45°F.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 1–15 in Washington using the typical date, or Mar 14–28 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F.

When to plant peas in Washington

Hardy crop. Per CSU, peas can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Washington, that works out to roughly Mar 1–15 (typical date) or Mar 14–28 (safer date). For fall, count back 79 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 21, or by Aug 8 to be safe.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says lettuce (leaf) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Washington, that's roughly Mar 1–15 going by the typical date, or Mar 14–28 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 26, or by Aug 13 to be safe.

When to plant carrots in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says carrots can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Washington, that's roughly Mar 15–29 going by the typical date, or Mar 28 – Apr 11 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 16 (Aug 3 to be safe), which is 84 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Washington

Tender crop. Sow beans (snap) around the average last frost, per CSU: about Mar 29 in Washington. Waiting until Apr 11 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 55°F. For fall, count back 88 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 12, or by Jul 30 to be safe.

When to plant summer squash in Washington

Tender crop. Sow summer squash around the average last frost, per CSU: about Mar 29 in Washington. Waiting until Apr 11 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 22, or by Aug 9 to be safe. That's 78 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant broccoli in Washington

Hardy crop. Per CSU, broccoli can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Washington, that works out to roughly Mar 1–15 (typical date) or Mar 14–28 (safer date). Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, broccoli plants set out on Mar 6 would start producing around May 10. That's 182 days before the typical first frost (Nov 8). For a fall crop, set broccoli transplants out by Aug 21. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Nov 8), using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds Jul 3–17 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cabbage in Washington

Hardy crop. Per CSU, cabbage can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Washington, that works out to roughly Mar 1–15 (typical date) or Mar 14–28 (safer date). Using CSU's typical 85 days from transplant to harvest, cabbage plants set out on Mar 6 would start producing around May 30. That's 162 days before the typical first frost (Nov 8). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Aug 1. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Nov 8), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds Jun 13–27 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, cauliflower can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 15–29 in Washington (typical date) or Mar 28 – Apr 11 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F.

When to plant kohlrabi in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Washington, that's roughly Mar 1–15 going by the typical date, or Mar 14–28 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Sep 5 (Aug 23 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. In Washington, that's roughly Mar 1–15 going by the typical date, or Mar 14–28 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 26 (Aug 13 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Washington

Hardy crop. Per CSU, radishes can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Washington, that works out to roughly Mar 1–15 (typical date) or Mar 14–28 (safer date). For fall, count back 44 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Sep 25, or by Sep 12 to be safe.

When to plant spinach in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 1–15 in Washington using the typical date, or Mar 14–28 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, sow by Sep 15 (Sep 2 to be safe), which is 54 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Washington

Hardy crop. CSU says turnips can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 1–15 in Washington using the typical date, or Mar 14–28 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 5, or by Aug 23 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting beets as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Washington, that's roughly Mar 15–29 by the typical date or Mar 28 – Apr 11 by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 26, or by Aug 13 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, swiss chard can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 15–29 in Washington (typical date) or Mar 28 – Apr 11 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 26, or by Aug 13 to be safe.

When to plant parsnips in Washington

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 15–29 in Washington (typical date) or Mar 28 – Apr 11 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Washington

Tender crop. Sow sweet corn around the average last frost, per CSU: about Mar 29 in Washington. Waiting until Apr 11 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Washington

Tender crop. Sow cucumbers around the average last frost, per CSU: about Mar 29 in Washington. Waiting until Apr 11 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, sow by Aug 17 (Aug 4 to be safe), which is 83 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Washington

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set eggplant out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about Apr 12 using the typical date, Apr 17 as a balanced choice, or Apr 25 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Feb 13 – Mar 6, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on Apr 17. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for eggplant plants is 60 days. Set out on Apr 17, they would start producing around Jun 16, 145 days before the typical first frost (Nov 8).

When to plant cantaloupe in Washington

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around Apr 12 at the earliest, Apr 17 as a balanced choice, or Apr 25 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Washington

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant watermelon 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about Apr 12 (typical date), Apr 17 (balanced) or Apr 25 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Washington

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant winter squash around Apr 12 at the earliest, Apr 17 as a balanced choice, or Apr 25 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Washington?

Start tomatoes Mar 14–28 and peppers Feb 20 – Mar 6. Both dates count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Washington?

Set tomatoes out about May 2. The date is the same at every risk level. CSU's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost would allow about Apr 12 here, but CSU also wants nights above 52°F, and the average nightly low at National Arboretum DC isn't above that until May 2.

What can I plant in Washington in the fall?

Based on UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Nov 8), the deadlines are: peas by Aug 21; lettuce (leaf) by Aug 26; carrots by Aug 16; beans (snap) by Aug 12; summer squash by Aug 22; broccoli by Aug 21 (transplants); cabbage by Aug 1 (transplants); kohlrabi by Sep 5; green onions by Aug 26; radishes by Sep 25; spinach by Sep 15; turnips by Sep 5; beets by Aug 26; swiss chard by Aug 26; cucumbers by Aug 17.

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