Spring planting calendar Last frost around May 20
USDA's earliest dates, and range of dates, for safe spring planting in places whose average last freeze is about May 20. We use this column for 24 towns whose NOAA average last frost is nearest May 20.
Spring planting dates
- SpinachApr 10 – June 15
- Chervil and chivesApr 15 – May 15
- Corn saladApr 15 – June 1
- DandelionApr 15 – May 15
- Garden peasApr 15 – June 1
- GarlicApr 15 – May 15
- PotatoesApr 15 – June 15
- RadishesApr 15 – June 15
- Rhubarb plantsApr 15 – May 10
- TurnipsApr 15 – June 1
- Asparagus plantsApr 20 – May 15
- Horseradish plantsApr 20 – May 20
- KaleApr 20 – May 10
- KohlrabiApr 20 – May 20
- Onion plants plantsApr 20 – May 15
- Onion seedApr 20 – May 15
- Onion setsApr 20 – May 15
- ShallotsApr 20 – May 10
- BeetsApr 25 – June 15
- Broccoli plantsMay 1 – June 15
- Brussels sprouts plantsMay 1 – June 15
- Cabbage plantsMay 1 – June 15
- CarrotsMay 1 – June 1
- Chinese cabbageMay 1 – June 15
- Collards plantsMay 1 – June 1
- EndiveMay 1 – 30
- Florence fennelMay 1 – 30
- Head lettuce plantsMay 1 – June 30
- Leaf lettuceMay 1 – June 30
- LeeksMay 1 – 20
- Mustard greensMay 1 – June 30
- ParsleyMay 1 – 20
- ParsnipsMay 1 – 20
- RutabagaMay 1 – 20
- SalsifyMay 1 – June 1
- SorrelMay 1 – June 1
- Upland cressMay 1 – June 1
- Cauliflower plantsMay 10 – June 15
- Celery and celeriac plantsMay 10 – June 15
- Swiss chardMay 10 – June 15
- Snap beansMay 15 – June 30
- Sweet cornMay 15 – June 1
- New Zealand spinachMay 20 – June 15
- Summer squashMay 20 – June 15
- Peppers plantsMay 25 – June 15
- TomatoesMay 25 – June 15
- CucumbersJune 1 – 15
- Eggplant plantsJune 1 – 15
- OkraJune 1 – 20
- Witloof chicoryJune 1 – 15
- WatermelonJune 15 – July 1
Source: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” table 4, column “May 20.” “Plants” means setting out transplants, not sowing seed.
Towns on this calendar
- Alaska Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla
- California Susanville
- Colorado Durango, Monument
- Idaho Chubbuck, Garden City
- Maine Sanford
- Michigan Cadillac
- Minnesota Bemidji, North Branch, Grand Rapids, Hermantown
- New Mexico Las Vegas
- New York Oneonta, Glens Falls, Corning
- North Dakota Williston, Dickinson
- Oregon Baker City
- Wyoming Rock Springs, Sheridan, Green River