When to Plant Seeds in a Garden

Summer Crop- Hot Climates

• The best time to plant seeds for a summer crop, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon and most flowers, is in the spring. For hot climates, such as Florida or southern California, plant in February.

Summer Crop- Warm Climates

• For warm climates with colder winters, such as Texas, parts of California and the southeastern states, plant in late March or early April.

Summer Crops- Cold Climates

• For cold winter climates such as North and South Carolina and Virginia, plant in late April. For all other cold winter climate states like the Midwest and Northeast, plant in mid to late May and June.

Planting seeds for fall

• When planting seeds for fall, pick plants that will survive your region's temperatures. Fall crops will do best in warmer climates such as the southeastern states and California where temperatures are mild.

Fall Crop

• Begin planting seeds for fall crops in late August. Vegetables like radishes, cabbage, spinach and kale are mostly tolerant to frost. Carrots and onions can be planted in the fall in warm climates for harvest in the spring.