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Planting CalendarSeed Starting Schedule

Complete Seed Starting Guide 2026

Master your garden timing with our comprehensive guide to indoor seed starting. Get the right start for your 2026 growing season.

Calculate Your Exact Schedule

Enter your ZIP code or select your zone to get personalized planting dates for 40+ crops.

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Browse by USDA Hardiness Zone

Select your zone for customized planting calendars and schedules.

Zone 3a

Frost: 05/15

Zone 3b

Frost: 05/10

Zone 4a

Frost: 05/01

Zone 4b

Frost: 04/24

Zone 5a

Frost: 04/15

Zone 5b

Frost: 04/07

Zone 6a

Frost: 03/30

Zone 6b

Frost: 03/22

Zone 7a

Frost: 03/15

Zone 7b

Frost: 03/05

Zone 8a

Frost: 02/20

Zone 8b

Frost: 02/10

View all 17 zones

Understanding Your Growing Season

Seed Starting Basics

Advanced Techniques

Popular Crops - When to Plant

Tomatoes

Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before frost

Transplant: After last frost

Peppers

Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before frost

Transplant: 2-3 weeks after last frost

Lettuce

Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before frost

Transplant: 2-4 weeks before last frost

Cucumbers

Start Indoors: 3-4 weeks before frost

Transplant: 1-2 weeks after last frost

All Planting Guides & Articles

Planting Calendars

Vegetable Planting Calendar by Zone 2026

When to plant every vegetable based on your USDA hardiness zone. A complete guide to timing your garden.

Planting Calendars

Gardening Calendar Month by Month

A complete month-by-month guide detailing exactly what to plant and when throughout the 2026 growing season.

Seed Starting

Complete Seed Starting Schedule 2026

Your ultimate indoor seed starting calendar. Learn exactly when to sow seeds indoors based on your zone.

Planting Calendars

Vegetable Planting Calendar by ZIP Code

Find local planting dates for vegetables instantly using your ZIP code.

Crop Specific

When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

A zone-by-zone guide to starting tomato seeds indoors for the best possible harvest.

Crop Specific

When to Plant Tomatoes Outside

Transplant dates by zone. Learn when it is safe to move your tomato seedlings into the garden.

Crop Specific

When to Plant Peppers by Zone

Pepper seed starting and transplant calendar for the 2026 season.

Zone Guides

Zone 6 Planting Guide 2026

Complete Zone 6a & 6b garden calendar. Frost dates, indoor seeding, and outdoor transplanting.

Zone Guides

Zone 7 Planting Guide 2026

Complete Zone 7a & 7b garden calendar. Frost dates, indoor seeding, and outdoor transplanting.

Zone Guides

Zone 8 Planting Guide 2026

Complete Zone 8a & 8b garden calendar. Frost dates, indoor seeding, and outdoor transplanting.

Zone Guides

Zone 9 Planting Guide 2026

Complete Zone 9a & 9b garden calendar. Frost dates, indoor seeding, and outdoor transplanting.

Planting Calendars

Fall Garden Planting Schedule 2026

When to plant a fall vegetable garden. Discover the best crops for a second harvest.

Seed Starting

How to Harden Off Seedlings

Step-by-step guide for beginners on how to successfully acclimate indoor seedlings to the outdoors.

Seed Starting

Best Grow Lights for Seedlings

A complete indoor lighting guide for starting strong, healthy seedlings.

Seed Starting

Best Seed Starting Mix for Vegetables

Discover the ideal soil mix components for optimal germination and root growth.

Seed Starting

10 Seed Starting Mistakes to Avoid

Common pitfalls in indoor gardening and how to prevent them for a successful spring.

Seed Starting

Direct Sow vs Transplant

Which vegetables should you start indoors versus direct sowing in the garden? A definitive guide.

Guides

Last Frost Date Guide by Zone

Understand how last frost dates are calculated and why they dictate your seed starting schedule.

Guides

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Guide

Learn how to accurately find and interpret your USDA hardiness zone.

Guides

Farmer's Almanac Planting Calendar 2026

What it is, how to use it, and how it compares to university extension planting dates.

Seed Starting

When to Start Seeds Indoors 2026 | Complete Timing Guide

Learn exactly when to start seeds indoors for every vegetable crop. Complete seed starting calendar with weeks-before-frost guidelines.

Planting Calendars

Vegetable Garden Schedule 2026 | Month-by-Month Timeline

Your complete vegetable garden schedule for 2026. When to plant, transplant, and harvest every crop in your zone.

Seed Starting

Complete Seed Starting Guide 2026

Master your garden timing with our comprehensive guide to indoor seed starting. Learn when and how to start every crop.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start my seeds indoors?▼
Most warm-season seeds (tomatoes, peppers) should be started 6-10 weeks before your last frost date. Check our calculator for your exact dates.
What temperature do seedlings need?▼
Most vegetable seedlings thrive at 65-75°F. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers prefer the warmer end, while lettuce and greens prefer cooler temperatures.
How often should I water seedlings?▼
Water when the soil surface feels dry. Seedlings in small containers may need water daily. Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to avoid disturbing young roots.
Why are my seedlings getting leggy?▼
Leggy seedlings are usually caused by insufficient light. Move grow lights closer (2-4 inches above plants) or increase light duration to 14-16 hours daily.
Can I use seed starting mix for everything?▼
Seed starting mix is designed for germination. Once seedlings have true leaves, they can be transplanted to potting soil or a regular soil mix for continued growth.