Embark on a gardening adventure with this delightful guide to planting 29 of the most popular vegetables! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, knowing when and where to sow your seeds can make all the difference.
In this blog post, discover the best times to plant each vegetable based on your growing zone, and enjoy a touch of humor along the way. Let’s grow a thriving garden full of flavor-packed veggies!
1. Tomatoes
These juicy and versatile fruits thrive in warm weather and are a staple in salads, sauces, and salsas. Here’s when to plant them in different USDA zones:
• Zone 3: Grow indoors
• Zone 4: Mid May
• Zone 5: Early May
• Zone 6: Late April
• Zone 7: Early April
• Zone 8: Mid March
• Zone 9: Early March
• Zone 10: Early February
2. Carrots
They are weet and crunchy root vegetables that grow well in loose soil and add vibrant color to dishes. They are the carrots. This is when to start them:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Late February
• Zone 8: Early February
• Zone 9: Late January
• Zone 10: Early January
3. Lettuce
A leafy green that grows quickly in cool weather and provides a fresh, crisp base for salads. These are the best times to grow it:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
4. Cucumbers
Refreshing and hydrating, these vegetables will climb on vines and are perfect for pickling or fresh eating. Best planting times are:
• Zone 3: Late May
• Zone 4: Mid May
• Zone 5: Early May
• Zone 6: Late April
• Zone 7: Early April
• Zone 8: Mid March
• Zone 9: Early March
• Zone 10: Late February
5. Peppers
Colorful and flavorful fruits that range from sweet to spicy, ideal for fresh, roasted, or stuffed dishes. Peppers really do have it all! Here’s when to start them:
• Zone 3: Late May
• Zone 4: Mid May
• Zone 5: Early May
• Zone 6: Late April
• Zone 7: Early April
• Zone 8: Mid March
• Zone 9: Early March
• Zone 10: Late February
6. Spinach
A nutrient-packed leafy green that grows well in cooler temperatures and enhances salads, soups, and smoothies. Who wouldn’t want to grow it on their own? Here’s when:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
7. Zucchini
A prolific summer squash with mild flavor, perfect for grilling, baking, or spiralizing into noodles. These are the times to grow zucchini:
• Zone 3: Early June
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid May
• Zone 6: Early May
• Zone 7: Mid April
• Zone 8: Late March
• Zone 9: Mid March
• Zone 10: Early March
8. Onions
Pungent and flavorful bulbs, these aromatics will add depth to countless dishes. As a bonus, onions store well for long periods. Here’s when to plant them:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
9. Beans
Anyone looking to enrich their meatless diet with more protein? Beans are the perfect choice. Here’s when to start them:
• Zone 3: Early June
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid May
• Zone 6: Early May
• Zone 7: Mid April
• Zone 8: Late March
• Zone 9: Mid March
• Zone 10: Early March
10. Broccoli
A nutrient-dense vegetable with edible florets and stems, best enjoyed steamed, roasted, or raw. This is when to plant it:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
11. Cabbage
A dense leafy vegetable used in slaws, stir-fries, and fermented dishes like sauerkraut. This makes cabbage a staple in many dishes, so why not grow your own? Here’s when:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
12. Radishes
Crisp and peppery, these root vegetables will mature quickly and add a zesty crunch to salads. Planting times are:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
13. Peas
Another protein source that will enrich your diet during cooler times. Here are the best planting times:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Late February
• Zone 8: Early February
• Zone 9: Late January
• Zone 10: Early January
14. Corn
A tall-growing grain with sweet kernels, best eaten fresh, grilled, or turned into meal and flour – what’s not to love? These are the planting times in USDA zones:
• Zone 3: Early June
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid May
• Zone 6: Early May
• Zone 7: Mid April
• Zone 8: Late March
• Zone 9: Mid March
• Zone 10: Early March
15. Squash
Summer isn’t summer if you don’t consume at least one squash. Grow your own and enjoy the fullness of flavor. Here’s when to start it:
• Zone 3: Early June
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid May
• Zone 6: Early May
• Zone 7: Mid April
• Zone 8: Late March
• Zone 9: Mid March
• Zone 10: Early March
16. Kale
A hardy leafy green packed with vitamins, great for salads, smoothies, and sautéing. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is mine. These are the starting times:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
17. Beets
Earthy, vibrant root vegetables that can be roasted, juiced, or enjoyed raw in salads. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a couple of beets in the cold months. This is when to grow them:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
18. Pumpkins
Large, orange gourds prized for their sweet flesh, seeds, and iconic fall decorations. What’s not to love!? Here are the planting time:
• Zone 3: Early June
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid May
• Zone 6: Early May
• Zone 7: Mid April
• Zone 8: Late March
• Zone 9: Mid March
• Zone 10: Early March
19. Garlic
A pungent and aromatic bulb that enhances savory dishes and offers numerous health benefits. It’s not too late to plant garlic:
• Zone 3: Late October
• Zone 4: Mid October
• Zone 5: Early October
• Zone 6: Late September
• Zone 7: Early September
• Zone 8: Late August
• Zone 9: Mid August
• Zone 10: Early August
20. Turnips
They may not be that popular, but these mild-flavored root vegetables can be eaten raw, roasted, or mashed like potatoes. This is when to plant turnips:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
21. Cauliflower
A mild, versatile vegetable that can be roasted, riced, or used as a low-carb substitute. And the best part is that cauliflower is quite easy to grow. Here’s when to start it:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
22. Asparagus
A perennial vegetable with tender green spears that signal the arrival of spring. This makes asparagus a veggie equivalent to snowdrops, hm? Here’s when you can grow it:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
23. Artichokes
They may not be grown everywhere, but their edible, meaty leaves and a tender heart, often steamed or grilled are out of this world. Plant artichokes in warmer zones:
• Zone 7: Early April
• Zone 8: Mid March
• Zone 9: Early March
• Zone 10: Late February
24. Basil
A fragrant herb with sweet, peppery leaves, essential for pesto and Mediterranean dishes. Grow basil indoors or outdoors, it thrives everywhere. Here’s when:
• Zone 3: Late May
• Zone 4: Mid May
• Zone 5: Early May
• Zone 6: Late April
• Zone 7: Early April
• Zone 8: Mid March
• Zone 9: Early March
• Zone 10: Late February
25. Brussels Sprouts
Mini cabbage-like vegetables with a nutty flavor, best roasted or sautéed. Brussels sprouts are a handful, but they bring so much to your table. Here’s when to grow them:
• Zone 3: Early May
• Zone 4: Late April
• Zone 5: Mid April
• Zone 6: Early April
• Zone 7: Mid March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Mid February
• Zone 10: Late January
26. Celery
A crunchy, fibrous vegetable used in soups, salads, and as a low-calorie snack. Celery is a Hollywood staple, and for a reason. It’s delicious, especially when you grow it on your own. Here’s when:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
27. Leeks
A mild, onion-like vegetable that adds depth to soups, stews, and savory dishes. You can grow leeks on your own, and here’s when:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
28. Collard Greens
Hearty and nutrient-dense, these greens will hold up well to braising and long cooking times. Plant them yourselves in the following zones:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January
29. Parsnips
A sweet, starchy root vegetable that resembles a pale carrot and tastes best roasted. Parnsips are amazing, and here’s when to grow them:
• Zone 3: Late April
• Zone 4: Early April
• Zone 5: Late March
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: Early March
• Zone 8: Late February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: Late January