ID

426-331 (SPES-170P)

Authors as Published

Authored by Alex Hessler, Instructor, Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production and Director, Homefield Farm, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

This publication is available in an enhanced digital version and PDF.

Selecting appropriate planting dates is a critical component of successful vegetable gardening. Vegetables vary widely in their preferred growing conditions and tolerance to hot and cold temperature extremes. Understanding local frost-free dates aides in selecting appropriate planting dates for each vegetable throughout the year. This guide uses USDA Plant Hardiness Zones as guiding information on selecting planting dates for spring and fall planted vegetables for the home garden in Virginia.

In addition, this publication suggests approximate amounts of each crop to plant based on family size and preferences, along with guidelines on plant spacing and amount of seed or number of plants needed per 10 feet of row.

Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Publication Date

January 21, 2020