Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (2024)

Enter your zip code or postal code above.

The planting calendar below tells you when to plant in the SPRING and also plant in the FALL, based on your zip code or postal code.

Spring Planting Calendar

Our spring planting calendar starts with the very first dates that you can plant (based on the last spring frost). But if you've missed these dates, no worries! This is why we've added "last planting dates" to our spring calendar; this is meant to help new gardeners understand that if they missed the first spring planting window, they could still get crops in the ground.

In fact, many crops with short maturity times (such as radishes) can be succession planted all the way through the summer in northern areas. However, note that some cool-season crops, such as kale and lettuce, do not grow well in hot temperatures, which can cause bolting issues. For some gardeners, especially in the South, a break to avoid summer heat is needed, but they can start once the heat has passed.

The dates provided are based on the number of weeks before or after frost, so we can provide a unique calendar to every user in the country. Thus, several crops (especially similar crops) may appear to have the same date. Kale and lettuce, for example, or dates for starting seeds, like broccoli and cabbage.

Fall Planting Calendar

When we say "fall," we really mean planting in summer in time for a fall harvest. Think of this as a second summer! It's easy to keep the crops going if you've already prepared the soil!

Many crops that would be started indoors for a spring crop can just be plunked into the soil directly for a fall crop. Not only is the soil already warm but also there are less pests and it tends to be rainier so you don't need to water as often. Some fall vegetables need to be harvested by the first frost, but many are frost-tolerant and even taste better after a kiss of fall frost!

See each plant's individual Growing Guidefor more specific planting, plant care, and harvesting information.

Specifically, on the charts, there are different columns labeled as follows:

  1. Start Seeds Indoors: When to sow seeds indoors to get an early start on the season.
  2. Plant Seedlings Outdoors: When to put small seedlings that you grew indoors (OR starter plants that you bought at a garden nursery) in the outdoor soil.
  3. Start Seeds Outdoors: When to plant seeds directly into the outdoor soil.
  4. Last Date to Plant: You may plant any time from the "start seeds" dates until this "last date." Don't wait any longer, or the crop won't have time to get to harvest before fall/winter frosts.

The "Moon Dates" indicate the best planting dates based on Moon phases. You can learn more about this age-old technique below.

When N/A appears in the chart, that starting method is typically not recommended, although it is likely still possible.

Use the icon below for the best print or email format.

Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (1)

Planting Dates for Fall

On average, your first fall frost occurs on November 13 (at GRIZZLY CREEK SP, CA climate station).
CropPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (2) Based on Frost Dates
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (3) Based on Moon Dates
Start Seeds OutdoorsTransplantAverage Days to MaturityFrost Tolerance
ArugulaPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (4) Sep 25-Oct 30
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (5) Sep 25-Oct 6, Oct 21-30
N/A40Frost-hardy
BeetsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (6) Aug 21-Sep 18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (7) Aug 21-22, Sep 8-18
N/A50Frost-tolerant
Bok ChoyPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (8) Sep 4-25
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (9) Sep 4-7, Sep 21-25
N/A50Frost-tolerant
BroccoliPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (10) Aug 14-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (11) Sep 4-18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (12) Sep 4-7
60Frost-tolerant
Brussels SproutsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (13) Jul 24-Aug 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (14) Jul 24-Aug 7
N/A100Frost-hardy
CabbagePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (15) Aug 14-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (16) Sep 4-11
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (17) Sep 4-7
90Frost-tolerant
CarrotsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (18) Aug 28-Sep 4
N/A70Frost-tolerant
CauliflowerPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (19) Aug 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (20) Aug 7-9
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (21) Aug 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (22) Aug 23-28
75Frost-tolerant
ChivesPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (23) Aug 21-Sep 18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (24) Aug 23-Sep 7
N/A70Frost-tolerant
FennelPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (25) Aug 14-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (26) Aug 23-28
N/A80Tender
GarlicPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (27) Nov 27-Dec 11
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (28) Dec 5-11
N/A120Frost-hardy
Green BeansPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (29) Aug 28-Sep 11
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (30) Aug 28-Sep 7
N/A55Tender
KalePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (31) Sep 4-18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (32) Sep 4-7
N/A60Frost-hardy
KohlrabiPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (33) Sep 11-Oct 2
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (34) Sep 21-Oct 2
N/A45Frost-tolerant
LettucePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (35) Sep 4-18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (36) Sep 4-7
N/A60Frost-tolerant
Mustard GreensPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (37) Sep 11-Oct 2
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (38) Sep 21-Oct 2
N/A45Tender
PeasPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (39) Sep 4-18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (40) Sep 4-7
N/A55Tender
RadishesPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (41) Oct 2-16
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (42) Oct 7-16
N/A25Frost-tolerant
SpinachPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (43) Sep 25-Oct 16
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (44) Sep 25-Oct 6
N/A30Frost-hardy
Swiss ChardPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (45) Sep 4-18
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (46) Sep 4-7
N/A60Frost-tolerant
TurnipsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (47) Sep 11-25
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (48) Sep 11-20
N/A50Frost-tolerant

Planting Dates for Spring

On average, your last spring frost occurs on March 22 (at GRIZZLY CREEK SP, CA climate station, elevation 413 feet).
CropPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (49) Based on Frost Dates
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (50) Based on Moon Dates
Start Seeds IndoorsPlant Seedlings
or Transplants
Start Seeds OutdoorsLast Date to Plant
ArugulaPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (51) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (52) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (53) Feb 28-Mar 15
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (54) Feb 28-Mar 14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (55) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (56) Feb 27-28
Oct 16
AsparagusN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (57) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (58) Mar 15-22
Mar 22
BasilPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (59) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (60) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (61) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (62) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (63) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (64) Apr 5-12
Oct 2
BeetsN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (65) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (66) Mar 15-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (67) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (68) Feb 21-26
Apr 5
Bell PeppersPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (69) Jan 10-24
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (70) Jan 10-13
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (71) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (72) Apr 5-12
N/AAug 21
Bok ChoyPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (73) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (74) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (75) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (76) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (77) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (78) Apr 5-12
May 3
BroccoliPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (79) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (80) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (81) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (82) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (83) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (84) Feb 27-28
Sep 11
Brussels SproutsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (85) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (86) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (87) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (88) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (89) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (90) Feb 27-28
Aug 7
CabbagePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (91) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (92) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (93) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (94) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (95) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (96) Feb 27-28
Mar 29
CantaloupesPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (97) Feb 28-Mar 15
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (98) Feb 28-Mar 14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (99) Mar 22-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (100) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (101) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (102) Mar 29-Apr 5
Aug 7
CarrotsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (103) Feb 21-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (104) Feb 21-26
Sep 4
CauliflowerPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (105) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (106) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (107) Mar 15-29
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (108) Mar 29
N/AAug 28
CeleryPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (109) Dec 27-Jan 10
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (110) Dec 30-Jan 10
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (111) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (112) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (113) Mar 22
Sep 4
ChivesPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (114) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (115) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (116) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (117) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (118) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (119) Feb 28-Mar 7
Sep 18
Cilantro (Coriander)N/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (120) Mar 22-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (121) Mar 29-Apr 5
Apr 12
CollardsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (122) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (123) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (124) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (125) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (126) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (127) Feb 28-Mar 7
Sep 4
CucumbersPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (128) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (129) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (130) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (131) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (132) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (133) Apr 5-12
Sep 4
DillN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (134) Mar 15-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (135) Mar 29-Apr 5
Sep 18
Dry BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (136) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (137) Apr 5-12
Aug 7
EggplantsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (138) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (139) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (140) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (141) Apr 5-12
N/ASep 4
Fava BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (142) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (143) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
FennelPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (144) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (145) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (146) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (147) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (148) Mar 22-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (149) Mar 29-Apr 5
Aug 28
Green BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (150) Mar 29-Apr 19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (151) Mar 29-Apr 12
Sep 4
Honeydew MelonsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (152) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (153) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (154) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (155) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (156) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (157) Apr 5-12
Aug 14
Jalapeño PeppersPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (158) Jan 10-24
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (159) Jan 10-13
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (160) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (161) Apr 5-12
N/A
KalePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (162) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (163) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (164) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (165) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (166) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (167) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
KohlrabiPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (168) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (169) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (170) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (171) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (172) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (173) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
LeeksPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (174) Jan 10-24
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (175) Jan 10-13
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (176) Feb 28-Mar 15
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (177) Feb 28-Mar 14
N/AJul 31
LettucePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (178) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (179) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (180) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (181) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (182) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (183) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
MicrogreensN/AN/AN/A
Mustard GreensN/AN/AN/A
OkraPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (184) Feb 21-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (185) Feb 27-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (186) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (187) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (188) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (189) Apr 5-12
Sep 4
OnionsN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (190) Feb 21-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (191) Feb 21-26
N/AAug 7
OreganoPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (192) Jan 10-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (193) Jan 10-13, Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (194) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (195) Mar 29-Apr 12
N/ASep 4
ParsleyPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (196) Jan 10-24
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (197) Jan 10-13
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (198) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (199) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (200) Feb 21-Mar 29
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (201) Feb 27-Mar 14
Aug 28
ParsnipsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (202) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (203) Feb 21-26
Aug 7
PeanutsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (204) Apr 12-26
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (205) Apr 13-26
PeasN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (206) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (207) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
PotatoesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (208) Feb 21-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (209) Feb 21-26
Sep 4
PumpkinsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (210) Feb 28-Mar 15
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (211) Feb 28-Mar 14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (212) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (213) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (214) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (215) Apr 5-12
Jul 31
RadishesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (216) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (217) Feb 21-26
Sep 18
RosemaryPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (218) Dec 27-Jan 10
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (219) Dec 30-Jan 10
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (220) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (221) Apr 5-12
N/ASep 18
SagePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (222) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (223) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (224) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (225) Mar 29-Apr 12
N/AAug 28
SalsifyN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (226) Feb 21-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (227) Feb 21-26
Aug 7
SpinachPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (228) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (229) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (230) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (231) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (232) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (233) Feb 27-28
Apr 5
Sweet CornN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (234) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (235) Apr 5-12
Aug 28
Sweet PotatoesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (236) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (237) Apr 13-19
Jul 31
Swiss ChardPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (238) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (239) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (240) Mar 7-22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (241) Mar 7-14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (242) Feb 28-Mar 22
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (243) Feb 28-Mar 14
Apr 5
ThymePlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (244) Jan 10-24
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (245) Jan 10-13
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (246) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (247) Mar 29-Apr 5
N/AAug 21
TomatillosPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (248) Feb 7-21
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (249) Feb 7-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (250) Apr 5-19
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (251) Apr 5-12
N/AAug 28
TomatoesPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (252) Jan 24-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (253) Jan 29-Feb 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (254) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (255) Apr 5-12
N/AAug 14
TurnipsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (256) Feb 21-28
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (257) Feb 21-26
Oct 16
WatermelonsPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (258) Feb 28-Mar 15
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (259) Feb 28-Mar 14
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (260) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (261) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (262) Mar 29-Apr 5
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (263) Mar 29-Apr 5
Aug 14
Winter SquashPlanting Calendar for Mad River, CA (264) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (265) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (266) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (267) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (268) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (269) Apr 5-12
Jul 24
Zucchini (Summer Squash)Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (270) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (271) Feb 28-Mar 7
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (272) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (273) Mar 29-Apr 12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (274) Apr 5-12
Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (275) Apr 5-12
Sep 11

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accurate Are the Planting Dates?

Use this chart as a planning guide and a starting place. The frost dates are averages based on historical data; this is NOT a prediction for the coming year. While the majority of gardeners use frost dates as a guideline for planting, some locations in the U.S. do not have frost; in addition, some difficult areas simply don't match up perfectly with the dates provided. Growing in a "microclimate"(such as a low spot or side of a slope) will also affect your planting dates. Watch the weather, talk to fellow gardeners, and take notes on what works in your garden!

Why Do You Start Seeds Indoors?

Starting seeds indoors (in seed trays or starter pots) gives your crops a head start on the growing season, which is especially important in regions with a short growing season. Starting seeds indoors also allows young, tender plants to grow in a stable, controlledenvironment. Outdoors, the unpredictability of rain, drought, frost, low andhigh temperatures, sunlight, pests, and diseases can take a toll on young plants, especially when they're just starting. Indoors, you can control these elementsto maximize your plants' early growth and give them the best shotat thriving when they are transplanted outdoors.

For most crops that can be started indoors, seeds should be started about 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. This gives the plants ample time to growlarge and healthy enough to survive their eventual transplantingto the garden.Read more about starting seeds indoors here.

Which Seeds Should Be Started Indoors?

Not all vegetables should be started indoors!In fact, most are better off being started directly in the garden (aka "direct-sown"). The crops that should be started indoors are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures or have a very long growing season and need a head start. These include tender vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant and crops with a long growing season, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Most other crops do best when sown directly into the garden soil. Root crops, including carrots, radishes, and beets, are especially well-suited to being started directly in the garden since they do not like having their roots disturbed after planting. The same is true for squash and watermelon; though care must be taken to plant them when the soil is warm enough.Read more about direct-sowing seeds here!

When Should You Transplant Seedlings?

It's time to transplant when seedlings have grown too large for their seed trays or starter pots.If it's not yet warm enough to plant outdoors, transplant the seedlings to larger plastic or peat pots indoors and continue care. If outdoor conditions allow, starthardening offyour seedlings approximately one week before your last frost date, thentransplant theminto the garden.Get more tips for transplanting seedlings.

What Is Planting by the Moon?

Plantingby the Moon (also called "Gardening by the Moon") is a traditional way to plant your above- and below-ground crops, especially at the start of the season. Here's how it works:

  • Plant annual flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon. In other words, plant from the day the Moon is new untilthe day it is full.
  • Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon. In other words, plant from the day after the Moon is full until the day before it is new again.

Old-time farmers swear that this practice results in a larger, tastier harvest, so we've included planting by the Moon dates in our planting calendar, too.Learn more aboutPlanting and Gardening by the Moon.

Planting Calendar for Mad River, CA (2024)
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