We are all anxious to start our gardens as early as possible in the spring. But it's important to know the right time to plant in order to ensure success.

Here's a vegetable planting schedule for zone 5, where the average last frost date is May 15. You can adjust your own planting schedule by moving the date for each item forward or backward on the calendar, according to the last frost date in your area. If you don't know your last frost date, contact your local extension service or look it up on the internet.

Sowing Vegetable Seeds:

Mid March

Arugula, Lettuce, Peas, Radish, Spinach

Mid April

Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Collards, Kale, Leeks, Onions, Parsley, Parsnips, Swiss Chard, Turnips

Early May

Amaranth, Cilantro, Dill

Mid May

Cucumber, Melon, Purslane, Squash, Watermelon

Late May to June

Beans

Transplanting Seedlings:

After last frost date

Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower

Late May to early June

Basil, Ground Cherry, Eggplant, Pepper, Tomatillo, Tomato

Other Resources

Four-Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman

TendingMyGarden.com (Theresa Martz) - Organic gardening blog