8–10 weeks before last frost
Start long-season tomatoes, peppers, eggplant indoors under lights.
- Use seedling mix; keep soil surface moist, not soggy.
- Pot up when true leaves crowd the cells.
Seed & planting calendar
Last frost follows your US ZIP when set (prefix climate map → USDA zone → median frost by zone). Refine with your microclimate and local extension guidance.
Frost-relative windows
4–6 weeks before last frost
Basil, cucumbers, squash — indoor starts or wait to direct-sow warm soil lovers.
- Harden off transplants a week before planting out.
- Soil thermometer >60°F helps peppers settle faster.
2 weeks before last frost
Cool crops outside: lettuce, kale, chard, peas (where summers are mild).
- Row cover buys a few degrees on cold snaps.
- Avoid working wet soil to prevent compaction.
At last frost (approx.)
Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers after soil warms; watch 10-day forecast.
- Deep water at transplant; mulch after soil warms.
- Stagger bean plantings every 2–3 weeks in long seasons.
2–4 weeks after last frost
Succession sow beans, squash, cucumbers; trellis vining types early.
- Scout for aphids on tender new growth.
- Side-dress heavy feeders once established.