Start Growing
Feb 6
First Plant
Peppers
Timing
37 days overdue
Plants
6
Last frost: Apr 10
Peppers
Feb 6
Apr 10
6
Inputs
Result
Peppers need 9 weeks indoors: April 10 - 63 days = February 6. Tomatoes need 7 weeks: April 10 - 49 days = February 20. Both transplant 2 weeks after last frost on April 24. Tomato harvest: April 24 + 72 days = July 5.
Inputs
Result
In Zone 8b, last frost is March 10. Tomatoes start 7 weeks before (Jan 20), lettuce 5 weeks before (Feb 3), cucumbers 3 weeks before (Feb 17). Lettuce transplants on the frost date and harvests in 45 days (Apr 24).
Inputs
Result
Zone 5a last frost is April 20. Broccoli and cauliflower need 7 weeks indoors (Mar 2). Kale needs only 5 weeks (Mar 16). All transplant 2 weeks after frost (May 4). Broccoli harvest: May 4 + 70 = July 13.
Most seeds should be started indoors 6-9 weeks before your last frost date. Peppers and parsley need the longest lead time at 9 weeks, while cucumbers and squash only need 3 weeks. Check your USDA zone to find your last frost date.
| Crop | Weeks Before Frost | Germination Days | Days to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppers | 9 weeks | 10–14 days | 60–90 |
| Tomatoes | 7 weeks | 5–10 days | 60–85 |
| Broccoli | 7 weeks | 5–10 days | 50–70 |
| Lettuce | 5 weeks | 2–7 days | 30–60 |
| Cucumbers | 3 weeks | 3–10 days | 50–70 |
Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov and enter your zip code. Zones range from 3a (coldest, last frost mid-May) to 10b (warmest, last frost mid-January). Your zone determines your last frost date and planting schedule.
| USDA Zone | Avg Last Frost | Avg First Frost | Growing Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | May 10 | Sep 25 | ≈138 days |
| Zone 5 | Apr 20 | Oct 10 | ≈173 days |
| Zone 6 | Apr 10 | Oct 20 | ≈193 days |
| Zone 7 | Mar 25 | Nov 1 | ≈221 days |
| Zone 8 | Mar 10 | Nov 15 | ≈250 days |
Start tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, basil, parsley, and marigolds indoors. Direct sow beans, peas, carrots, radishes, and corn outdoors after frost danger passes. Lettuce, kale, cucumbers, and squash can go either way.
Seedlings need 14-16 hours of direct light per day. A south-facing window rarely provides enough light; most gardeners use grow lights placed 2-4 inches above seedlings. Use a timer to ensure consistent light exposure and turn lights off for 8 hours at night.
Most vegetable seeds germinate best at 65-85°F soil temperature. Peppers and eggplant prefer 80-85°F, while lettuce and kale germinate at cooler 55-65°F. Use a heat mat to maintain consistent soil temperature for faster, more reliable germination.
Transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers 1-2 weeks after your last frost date when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. Cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce can go out 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days first.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
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