Planting calendar for Boise, Idaho
Dates from 30 years of records at the Boise Air Terminal weather station, 3.7 miles from Boise, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.
The most popular crops for Boise this month. Every crop and month is below.
Boise at a glance
- Weather station
- Boise Air Terminal · 3.7 mi
- USDA zone
- 7a
- Last spring frost
- typically Apr 24; 1 year in 10 after May 9
- First fall frost
- typically Oct 21; 1 year in 10 before Oct 5
- Frost-free season
- about 180 days
- Hottest month
- July: highs 93°F, nights 62°F
- Coldest month
- December: highs 39°F, nights 25°F
- Rain
- 12 in. a year, most in January, May and December
What shapes the seasons here
The last spring frost in Boise typically comes around Apr 24, but 1 year in 10 it comes after May 9. The first fall frost typically arrives around Oct 21. That leaves about 180 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.
Summer highs average 93°F in July. Lettuce, spinach and cilantro bolt in heat like this, so they're best planted Mar 27–Apr 20, Aug 13–Sep 3.
Boise gets about 12 inches of rain a year, most of it in January, May and December.
145 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 29 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).
When to plant the most popular crops
Best Can plant Start indoors
Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard
The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.
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What to plant in Boise, month by month
January0
Start seeds indoors
Onion (bulbing)
See all 0 crops in their best window in January
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
Start seeds indoors
Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Pansy / viola, Snapdragon
February0
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli, Cabbage
See all 0 crops in their best window in February
Too cold to plant outdoors. Plan beds, order seeds and start the ones listed indoors.
Start seeds indoors
Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celery, Catnip, Lovage, Parsley, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock
March15
Best time to plant
Pea (snap & snow), Spinach, Kale, Cabbage, Radish, Onion (bulbing)
Start seeds indoors
Pepper (sweet / bell), Onion (bulbing)
See all 15 crops in their best window in March
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Arugula, Cabbage, Fava bean, Kale, Mustard greens, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Shallot, Spinach
Fruit: Blackberry
Flowers: Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Sweet pea (flower)
Start seeds indoors
Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (early / short-season), Catnip, Feverfew, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Rosemary, Sage, Winter savory, Strawflower
April63
Best time to plant
Potato, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Collard greens, Broccoli, Carrot, Radish, Onion (bulbing), Strawberry
Start seeds indoors
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pepper (hot / chili), Eggplant, Onion (bulbing)
See all 63 crops in their best window in April
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Potato, Radish, Rhubarb, Salsify, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress
Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Dill, Feverfew, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Tarragon (French), Winter savory
Fruit: Blackberry, Fig, Grape (bunch), Raspberry, Strawberry
Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)
Can also plant
Cabbage, Kale, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Shallot, Spinach, Cilantro, Pansy / viola
Start seeds indoors
Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Eggplant, Leek, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Garlic chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Shiso (perilla), Thyme, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia
May35
Best time to plant
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell), Cucumber (slicing), Summer squash & zucchini, Bean (bush snap), Sweet corn
Start seeds indoors
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell), Eggplant, Basil
See all 35 crops in their best window in May
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cardoon, Celery, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Salsify, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash
Herbs: Borage, Epazote, Lovage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Winter savory
Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry
Flowers: Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower
Can also plant
Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Potato, Radish, Shallot, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress, Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chamomile, Chives, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blackberry, Fig, Strawberry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Cleome (spider flower), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum
Start seeds indoors
Eggplant, Leek, Malabar spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Basil, Parsley, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice
June43
Best time to plant
Tomato (slicing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pepper (hot / chili), Eggplant, Watermelon, Sweet corn, Potato, Onion (bulbing), Basil
Start seeds indoors
Tomato (cherry & grape), Broccoli, Cabbage, Basil
See all 43 crops in their best window in June
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Pumpkin, Purslane, Salsify, Sweet corn, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash
Herbs: Anise hyssop, Basil, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Papalo, Rosemary, Stevia, Thyme, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)
Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon
Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Sunflower, Zinnia
Can also plant
Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Leek, New Zealand spinach, Popcorn, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Cuban oregano, Epazote, Feverfew, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower
Start seeds indoors
Broccoli, Cabbage, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Strawflower
July47
Best time to plant
Tomato (slicing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Pepper (sweet / bell), Eggplant, Cucumber (slicing), Summer squash & zucchini, Bean (bush snap), Sweet corn, Okra, Cabbage, Carrot, Onion (bulbing), Basil
See all 47 crops in their best window in July
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Leek, Malabar spinach, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing)
Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Cuban oregano, Epazote, Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)
Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia
Can also plant
Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Turnip, Chamomile, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Calendula, Sweet alyssum
Start seeds indoors
Lettuce (romaine & head)
August33
Best time to plant
Pea (snap & snow), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Kale, Collard greens, Broccoli, Carrot, Cilantro
See all 33 crops in their best window in August
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Swiss chard, Turnip
Herbs: Borage, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi)
Flowers: Calendula, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum
Can also plant
Garden cress, Radish, Spinach, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy
September8
Best time to plant
Spinach, Kale, Radish
See all 8 crops in their best window in September
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Arugula, Garden cress, Kale, Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Radish, Spinach
Flowers: Pansy / viola
October2
Best time to plant
Garlic
See all 2 crops in their best window in October
Best time to plant
Vegetables: Elephant garlic, Garlic
November0
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
See all 0 crops in their best window in November
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
December0
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
See all 0 crops in their best window in December
Too cold to plant outdoors. A good month to plan beds and order seeds.
Every crop that grows in Boise
145 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.
Vegetables
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth greens / callaloo | Jun 10–24, Aug 3–16 | Jun 25–Aug 2 | — | Sow seeds |
| Armenian cucumber | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 2–22 | Jun 2–Jul 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Artichoke | Apr 10–24 | — | Feb 6–20 | Set out plants |
| Arugula | Mar 13–Apr 17, Aug 22–Sep 13 | Apr 18–May 14, Jul 22–Aug 21 | — | Sow seeds |
| Asparagus | Mar 27–Apr 24 | Apr 25–May 22 | — | Set out plants |
| Bean (bush snap) | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 16–Aug 6 | Jun 2–Jul 15 | — | Sow seeds |
| Bean (dry / shelling) | May 18–Jun 1, Jun 11–Jul 2 | Jun 2–10 | — | Sow seeds |
| Bean (lima) | Jun 10–Jul 7 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Bean (pole) | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 6–27 | Jun 2–Jul 5 | — | Sow seeds |
| Beet | Mar 27–Apr 17, Aug 1–22 | Apr 18–May 18, Jun 28–Jul 31 | — | Sow seeds |
| Bitter melon | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 4–25 | Jun 2–Jul 3 | — | Sow seeds |
| Bok choy / pak choi | Apr 10–20 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Broccoli | Mar 27–Apr 10, Jul 31–Aug 14 | Apr 11–May 1 | Feb 13–27, Jun 19–Jul 3 | Set out plants |
| Broccoli raab (rapini) | Mar 27–Apr 14, Aug 19–Sep 1 | Apr 15–28, Jul 31–Aug 18 | — | Sow seeds |
| Brussels sprouts | Mar 27–Apr 4 | Jun 3–Jul 3 | Feb 13–21 | Set out plants |
| Cabbage | Mar 20–Apr 3, Jul 12–Aug 2 | Apr 4–May 2, Jun 21–Jul 11 | Feb 6–20, May 31–Jun 21 | Set out plants |
| Cardoon | Apr 24–May 8 | May 9–Jun 8 | Feb 20–Mar 6 | Set out plants |
| Carrot | Apr 3–24, Jul 22–Aug 12 | Apr 25–May 11, Jun 19–Jul 21 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3–17 | Apr 18–May 6 | Feb 20–Mar 6 | Set out plants |
| Celeriac (celery root) | Apr 10–24, Jun 7–28 | Apr 25–Jun 6 | Jan 23–Feb 6, Mar 22–Apr 12 | Set out plants |
| Celery | Apr 27–May 11, Jun 3–24 | May 12–Jun 2 | Feb 9–23, Mar 18–Apr 8 | Set out plants |
| Chickpea / garbanzo | Apr 7–21 | Apr 22–28 | — | Sow seeds |
| Chinese broccoli (gai lan) | Apr 3–24, Jul 30–Aug 19 | Apr 25–May 21, Jun 15–Jul 29 | — | Sow seeds |
| Collard greens | Mar 27–Apr 10, Aug 5–26 | Apr 11–Aug 4 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cucumber (pickling) | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 9–30 | Jun 2–Jul 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cucumber (slicing) | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 7–27 | Jun 2–Jul 6 | — | Sow seeds |
| Daikon radish | Apr 3–17, Aug 11–22 | Apr 18–May 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Edamame | Jun 10–Jul 9 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Eggplant | Jun 10–Jul 12 | — | Apr 8–May 10 | Set out plants |
| Elephant garlic | Sep 30–Nov 4 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Fava bean | Mar 13–22 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Fennel (bulb) | Apr 10–22 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Garden cress | Apr 10–May 5, Aug 28–Sep 17 | May 6–30, Aug 7–27 | — | Sow seeds |
| Garlic | Sep 30–Nov 4 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Green onion / scallion | Mar 27–Apr 10 | Apr 11–May 22 | — | Sow seeds |
| Kale | Mar 13–Apr 3, Aug 18–Sep 7 | Apr 4–May 18, Jun 26–Aug 17 | — | Sow seeds |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 27–Apr 10, Aug 9–29 | Apr 11–May 21, Jul 13–Aug 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Komatsuna (mustard spinach) | Jul 30–Sep 6 | Apr 24–May 11, Jul 1–29 | — | Sow seeds |
| Leek | Mar 27–Apr 10, Jun 26–Jul 17 | Apr 11–17, May 9–Jun 25 | Jan 23–Feb 6, Apr 24–May 15 | Set out plants |
| Lettuce (leaf & mesclun) | Mar 27–Apr 20, Aug 13–Sep 3 | Apr 21–May 6, Jul 14–Aug 12 | — | Sow seeds |
| Lettuce (romaine & head) | Apr 3–19, Jul 31–Aug 17 | — | Feb 27–Mar 15, Jun 26–Jul 13 | Set out plants |
| Mache (corn salad) | Sep 2–15 | Mar 27–Apr 4, Aug 25–Sep 1 | — | Sow seeds |
| Malabar spinach | Jun 30–Jul 9 | — | May 12–21 | Set out plants |
| Mustard greens | Mar 13–Apr 11, Aug 25–Sep 11 | Apr 12–May 4, Jul 31–Aug 24 | — | Sow seeds |
| Napa / Chinese cabbage | Apr 10–22, Jun 29–Aug 12 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| New Zealand spinach | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 9–29 | Jun 2–Jul 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Okinawa spinach | Jun 30–Jul 14 | — | — | Set out plants |
| Okra | Jun 30–Jul 15 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Onion (bulbing) | Mar 13–Apr 9, Jun 7–Jul 7 | Apr 10–Jun 6, Jul 8 | Mar 22–Apr 21, Dec 26–Jan 22 | Set out plants |
| Parsnip | Apr 3–16 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Pea (shelling / English) | Mar 13–27, Jul 31–Aug 19 | Mar 28–May 6 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pea (snap & snow) | Mar 13–27, Jul 31–Aug 19 | Mar 28–May 4 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pepper (hot / chili) | May 28–Jun 11, Jun 14–Jul 5 | — | Mar 26–Apr 9, Apr 12–May 3 | Set out plants |
| Pepper (sweet / bell) | May 18–Jun 1, Jun 24–Jul 15 | Jun 2–23 | Mar 16–30, Apr 22–May 13 | Set out plants |
| Popcorn | May 18–25 | May 26–Jun 19 | — | Sow seeds |
| Potato | Apr 2–22, Jun 6–Jul 4 | Mar 27–Apr 1, Apr 23–Jun 5 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pumpkin | May 18–Jun 10 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Purslane | Jun 10–24, Jul 15–Aug 5 | Jun 25–Jul 14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Radicchio | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Apr 4–15 | — | Sow seeds |
| Radish | Mar 21–Apr 24, Aug 31–Sep 25 | Mar 20, Apr 25–May 27, Aug 5–30 | — | Sow seeds |
| Rhubarb | Mar 27–Apr 11 | Apr 12–27 | — | Set out plants |
| Salsify | Apr 3–24, May 18–Jun 8 | Apr 25–May 17 | — | Sow seeds |
| Shallot | Mar 13–27, Jul 1–22 | Mar 28–Jun 30 | — | Sow seeds |
| Spinach | Mar 13–Apr 2, Aug 31–Sep 20 | Apr 3–24, Aug 11–30 | — | Sow seeds |
| Summer squash & zucchini | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 12–Aug 1 | Jun 2–Jul 11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke) | Apr 23–May 12 | Apr 3–22, May 13–15 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet corn | May 18–25, Jun 24–Jul 14 | May 26–Jun 23 | — | Sow seeds |
| Swiss chard | Apr 3–24, Aug 6–27 | Apr 25–Aug 5 | — | Sow seeds |
| Tomatillo | May 18–Jun 1 | Jun 2–Jul 12 | Apr 6–20 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (cherry & grape) | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 9–29 | Jun 2–Jul 8 | Mar 30–Apr 13, May 21–Jun 10 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (early / short-season) | May 1–8, Jul 14–Aug 3 | May 9–Jul 13 | Mar 13–20, May 26–Jun 15 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (heat-set varieties) | Jun 10–24, Jun 26–Jul 17 | — | Apr 22–May 6, May 8–29 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (paste / determinate) | May 18–Jun 1, Jun 26–Jul 17 | Jun 2–25 | Mar 30–Apr 13, May 8–29 | Set out plants |
| Tomato (slicing) | May 18–Jun 1, Jun 24–Jul 14 | Jun 2–23 | Mar 30–Apr 13, May 6–26 | Set out plants |
| Turnip | Mar 27–Apr 10, Aug 11–Sep 1 | Apr 11–May 22, Jul 13–Aug 10 | — | Sow seeds |
| Watercress | Apr 3–17 | Apr 18–May 28 | — | Sow seeds |
| Winter squash | May 18–Jun 20 | — | — | Sow seeds |
Herbs
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise hyssop | Jun 4–19 | Apr 24–Jun 3 | Apr 20–May 5 | Set out plants |
| Basil | Jun 10–17, Jul 7–27 | Jun 18–Jul 6 | May 6–13, Jun 2–22 | Set out plants |
| Bee balm (bergamot) | Jun 4–19 | Apr 24–Jun 3 | Apr 16–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Borage | Apr 17–May 10, Jul 15–Aug 13 | May 11–Jul 14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Caraway | Apr 3–17, Jul 12–Aug 2 | Apr 18–May 3, Jun 6–Jul 11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Catnip | Apr 10–May 1 | May 2–22 | Feb 20–Mar 13 | Set out plants |
| Chamomile | Mar 27–Apr 10, Jul 27–Aug 17 | Apr 11–May 13, Jun 20–Jul 26 | — | Sow seeds |
| Chervil | Apr 3–19, Aug 11–Sep 1 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Chives | Jun 2–19 | Apr 24–Jun 1 | Apr 14–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Cilantro | Aug 11–24 | Apr 10–22, Jul 31–Aug 10 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cuban oregano | Jun 26–Jul 22 | Jun 10–25, Jul 23–Aug 1 | — | Set out plants |
| Dill | Apr 10–17, Jul 28–Aug 18 | Apr 18–May 24, Jul 6–27 | — | Sow seeds |
| Epazote | May 18–Jun 1, Jul 21–Aug 11 | Jun 2–Jul 20 | — | Sow seeds |
| Fenugreek (methi) | Aug 7–30 | Apr 24–May 17, Jul 18–Aug 6 | — | Sow seeds |
| Feverfew | Apr 17–May 6 | May 7–Jun 12 | Feb 27–Mar 18 | Set out plants |
| Garlic chives | Jun 2–19 | Apr 24–Jun 1 | Apr 14–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Lavender | May 26–Jun 19 | May 1–25 | Mar 10–Apr 3 | Set out plants |
| Lemon balm | Apr 10–May 1 | May 2–22 | Mar 6–27 | Set out plants |
| Lemon verbena | May 26–Jun 19 | May 1–25 | — | Set out plants |
| Lovage | Apr 10–May 8 | — | Feb 20–Mar 20 | Set out plants |
| Marjoram | May 26–Jun 19 | May 1–25 | Apr 7–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Mint | Apr 10–May 1 | May 2–22 | — | Set out plants |
| Oregano | Jun 1–19 | Apr 24–May 31 | Apr 13–May 1 | Set out plants |
| Papalo | Jun 10–24 | Jun 25–Jul 17 | — | Sow seeds |
| Parsley | Apr 3–17, Jul 12–Aug 2 | Apr 18–Jul 11 | Jan 30–Feb 13, May 10–31 | Set out plants |
| Rosemary | May 26–Jun 19 | May 1–25 | Mar 10–Apr 3 | Set out plants |
| Sage | Apr 17–May 4 | May 5–Jun 12 | Feb 27–Mar 16 | Set out plants |
| Shiso (perilla) | May 18–25 | May 26–Jul 24 | Apr 13–20 | Set out plants |
| Sorrel (French / garden) | Apr 3–May 1 | May 2–29 | — | Sow seeds |
| Stevia | Jun 10–Jul 2 | — | — | Set out plants |
| Summer savory | Apr 27–May 11 | May 12–Jul 27 | — | Sow seeds |
| Tarragon (French) | Apr 24–May 10 | May 11–Jun 19 | — | Set out plants |
| Thyme | May 27–Jun 19 | Apr 24–May 26 | Apr 1–24 | Set out plants |
| Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) | Jun 15–Jul 13 | May 18–Jun 14 | — | Set out plants |
| Winter savory | Apr 24–May 10 | May 11–Jun 19 | Mar 6–22 | Set out plants |
Fruit
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackberry | Mar 20–Apr 10 | Apr 11–May 22 | — | Set out plants |
| Cantaloupe & melons | Jun 10–Jul 2 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Cucamelon / mouse melon | May 18–Jun 1 | Jun 2–Jul 17 | Apr 13–27 | Set out plants |
| Fig | Apr 3–May 1 | May 2–Jun 12 | — | Set out plants |
| Grape (bunch) | Mar 27–Apr 24 | Apr 25–May 8 | — | Set out plants |
| Ground cherry | May 18–Jun 1 | Jun 2–Jul 22 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | Set out plants |
| Raspberry | Mar 27–Apr 10 | Apr 11–29 | — | Set out plants |
| Strawberry | Mar 27–Apr 24 | Apr 25–May 22 | — | Set out plants |
| Watermelon | Jun 10–30 | — | — | Sow seeds |
Flowers
| Crop | Best time to plant | Also possible | Start indoors | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual salvia | Jun 18–Jul 30 | May 18–Jun 17, Jul 31–Aug 11 | Apr 9–May 21 | Set out plants |
| Bachelor's button (cornflower) | Mar 27–Apr 18 | Apr 19–28, Jul 31–Aug 14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Black-eyed Susan | Jun 4–Jul 14 | Apr 24–Jun 3 | — | Sow seeds |
| Calendula | Apr 10–May 6, Aug 5–29 | May 7–21, Jun 30–Aug 4 | — | Sow seeds |
| California poppy | Mar 27–Apr 18 | Apr 19–28, Jul 31–Aug 14 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cleome (spider flower) | Jun 13–Jul 10 | May 18–Jun 12, Jul 11–12 | — | Sow seeds |
| Coreopsis (tickseed) | Mar 27–Apr 17 | Apr 18–May 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Cosmos | Jun 21–Jul 11 | Jun 10–20, Jul 12–21 | — | Sow seeds |
| Globe amaranth (gomphrena) | Jun 21–Jul 11 | Jun 10–20, Jul 12–21 | May 3–23 | Set out plants |
| Larkspur | Mar 13–Apr 3 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Marigold | Jun 17–Jul 27 | May 18–Jun 16, Jul 28–Aug 6 | Apr 29–Jun 8 | Set out plants |
| Milkweed (native) | May 30–Jun 19 | Apr 24–May 29 | Apr 25–May 15 | Set out plants |
| Nasturtium | Jul 17–Aug 11 | Apr 27–May 22, Jul 1–16 | — | Sow seeds |
| Pansy / viola | Mar 13–Apr 3, Aug 24–Sep 13 | Apr 4–May 7, Aug 18–23 | Jun 8–28, Dec 26–Jan 16 | Set out plants |
| Pentas (Egyptian star cluster) | Jun 30–Jul 31 | — | Apr 28–May 29 | Set out plants |
| Purple coneflower (echinacea) | Apr 24–May 10 | May 11–Jun 19 | Feb 6–22 | Set out plants |
| Snapdragon | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 19–25 | Jan 23–30 | Set out plants |
| Statice | Apr 24–May 8, Jul 13–Aug 3 | May 9–Jul 12 | Feb 20–Mar 6, May 11–Jun 1 | Set out plants |
| Stock | Apr 10–24, Aug 11–Sep 1 | Apr 25–May 6 | Feb 6–20, Jun 9–30 | Set out plants |
| Strawflower | Apr 27–May 11, Jul 21–Aug 10 | May 12–Jul 20 | Mar 9–23, Jun 2–22 | Set out plants |
| Sunflower | Jun 12–Jul 7 | May 18–Jun 11 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet alyssum | Apr 3–May 5, Aug 9–31 | May 6–22, Jul 1–Aug 8 | — | Sow seeds |
| Sweet pea (flower) | Mar 13–Apr 10 | — | — | Sow seeds |
| Zinnia | Jun 22–Jul 14 | Jun 10–21, Jul 15–24 | — | Sow seeds |
Crops that struggle in Boise
These need a climate Boise doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.
- Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Bay laurel: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 32°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Blueberry: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
- Bottle gourd / cucuzza: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Cassava (yuca): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Celosia: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 80 days it needs.
- Chaya (tree spinach): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Culantro: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
- Endive & escarole: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 85 days it needs.
- Ginger: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 270 days it needs.
- Jicama: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
- Lemongrass: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 88 days it needs.
- Luffa gourd: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Moringa: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
- Muscadine grape: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 26°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Peanut: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 130 days it needs.
- Pigeon pea: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 150 days it needs.
- Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 25°F.
- Roselle: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
- Rutabaga: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 95 days it needs.
- Seminole pumpkin / calabaza: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 108 days it needs.
- Southern pea / cowpea: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 75 days it needs.
- Sweet potato: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.
- Winged bean: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Winter melon / wax gourd: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 105 days it needs.
- Yardlong bean: The frost-free season (about 180 days) is shorter than the 70 days it needs.
Nearby planting calendars
- Salt Lake City, UT 296 mi · last frost around Mar 31
- Portland, OR 345 mi · last frost around Feb 25
- Seattle, WA 405 mi · last frost around Mar 13
- Billings, MT 407 mi · last frost around May 10
- Sacramento, CA 443 mi · frost only briefly in winter
- All Idaho cities
How these dates are worked out
Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the Boise Air Terminal station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.
Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).