Planting calendar for Washington, Washington, D.C.

Dates from 30 years of records at the Washington Reagan Airport weather station, 3.2 miles from Washington, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Washington at a glance

Weather station: Washington Reagan Airport · 3.2 mi
USDA zone: 8a
Last spring frost: typically Mar 24; 1 year in 10 after Apr 6
First fall frost: typically Nov 18; 1 year in 10 before Nov 5
Frost-free season: about 239 days
Hottest month: July: highs 90°F, nights 72°F
Coldest month: January: highs 45°F, nights 30°F
Rain: 42 in. a year, most in May, June and July

What shapes the seasons here

The last spring frost in Washington typically comes around Mar 24, but 1 year in 10 it comes after Apr 6. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 18. That leaves about 239 frost-free days for tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and squash.

Washington gets about 42 inches of rain a year, most of it in May, June and July.

164 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 10 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

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.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Washington, month by month

January2

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Collard greens, Parsnip

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Kale, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Rutabaga, Shallot, Spinach, Larkspur

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Onion (bulbing), Catnip, Lavender, Lovage, Parsley, Rosemary, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock

February16

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cabbage, Collard greens, Fava bean, Kale, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry

Flowers: Pansy / viola, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Arugula, Brussels sprouts, Mustard greens, Radish, Rutabaga, Larkspur

Start seeds indoors

Lettuce (romaine & head), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Ground cherry, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

March74

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Potato, Radish, Rhubarb, Shallot, Spinach, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel (French / garden), Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Blackberry, Fig, Grape (bunch), Muscadine grape, Raspberry, Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radicchio, Blueberry, Larkspur, Pansy / viola

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celery, Eggplant, Malabar spinach, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Basil, Marjoram, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Celosia, Milkweed (native)

April51

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chives, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry

Flowers: Calendula, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Onion (bulbing), Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress, Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Dill, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden), Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Muscadine grape, Strawberry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Ginger, Malabar spinach, Onion (bulbing), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

May30

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cardoon, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pigeon pea, Purslane, Salsify, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Lemon verbena, Papalo, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Celosia

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Ginger, New Zealand spinach, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Basil, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chives, Epazote, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Milkweed (native), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Eggplant, Ginger, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June20

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Celery, Ginger, Onion (bulbing), Pumpkin, Salsify, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Lemongrass, Stevia

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Leek, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Watermelon, Celosia, Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Leek, Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Parsley, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold, Statice

July31

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Edamame, Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Pumpkin, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Yardlong bean

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cabbage, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Popcorn, Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Calendula, Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leek, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Pansy / viola, Stock, Strawflower

August44

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Eggplant, Leek, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Parsnip, Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Parsley

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Marigold, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip, Chervil, Cilantro, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Larkspur, Stock, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Leek

September40

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Rutabaga, Shallot, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Borage, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi)

Flowers: Calendula, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy / viola, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Spinach, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Leek

October16

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Parsnip, Radish, Rutabaga, Shallot, Spinach

Flowers: Larkspur, Pansy / viola

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts, Leek

November12

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Elephant garlic, Garlic, Kale, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Rutabaga, Shallot, Spinach

Flowers: Larkspur

Start seeds indoors

Brussels sprouts

December10

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Kale, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Rutabaga, Shallot, Spinach

Flowers: Larkspur

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Pansy / viola, Snapdragon

Every crop that grows in Washington

164 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	Apr 27–May 11, Aug 31–Sep 15	May 12–Aug 30	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Apr 11–25, Jul 30–Aug 19	Apr 26–Jul 29	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Mar 10–24	—	Jan 6–20	Set out plants
Arugula	Feb 28–Apr 6, Sep 8–Oct 11	Feb 10–27, Apr 7–21, Jul 31–Sep 7	—	Sow seeds
Asparagus	Feb 24–Mar 24	Mar 25–Apr 21	—	Set out plants
Bean (bush snap)	Apr 11–25, Aug 13–Sep 3	Apr 26–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Apr 11–25, Jul 9–30	Apr 26–Jul 8	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 15–Aug 4	May 12–Jul 14	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Apr 11–25, Aug 3–24	Apr 26–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Feb 24–Mar 17, Aug 29–Sep 19	Mar 18–Apr 28, Jul 7–Aug 28	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Apr 11–25, Aug 1–22	Apr 26–Jul 31	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Mar 10–30	Mar 31–Apr 11, Aug 19–Sep 12	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	May 13–27	May 28–Aug 7	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Feb 24–Mar 10, Aug 22–Sep 11	Mar 11–Apr 10, Aug 9–21	Jan 13–27, Jul 11–31	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Feb 24–Mar 26, Sep 11–29	Mar 27–Apr 12, Aug 9–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Sep 9–Dec 19	Aug 9–Sep 8, Dec 20–Mar 14	Jul 29–Nov 7	Set out plants
Cabbage	Feb 17–Mar 3, Aug 9–30	Mar 4–Apr 12, Jul 17–Aug 8	Jan 6–20, Jun 28–Jul 19	Set out plants
Cardoon	May 22–Jun 5	Jun 6–Jul 6	Mar 20–Apr 3	Set out plants
Carrot	Mar 3–24, Aug 19–Sep 9	Mar 25–Apr 21, Jun 29–Aug 18	—	Sow seeds
Cauliflower	Mar 3–17, Aug 9–28	Mar 18–Apr 15	Jan 20–Feb 3, Jun 28–Jul 17	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Mar 11–23, Jul 5–26	May 20–Jul 4	Apr 19–May 10, Dec 24–Jan 5	Set out plants
Celery	Jun 2–16, Jul 1–22	Jun 17–30	Mar 17–31, Apr 15–May 6	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Mar 11–25	Mar 26–Apr 4	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Mar 3–24, Aug 27–Sep 16	Mar 25–Apr 29, Jun 26–Aug 26	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Jan 25–Mar 16, Sep 1–Dec 30	Mar 17–May 11, Jun 2–Aug 31, Dec 31–Jan 24	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Apr 11–25, Aug 6–27	Apr 26–Aug 5	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Apr 11–25, Aug 4–24	Apr 26–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Mar 3–17, Aug 29–Sep 19	Mar 18–Apr 9, Aug 19–28	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 17–Aug 6	May 12–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 20–Aug 9	May 12–Jul 19	Feb 23–Mar 9, May 18–Jun 7	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 28–Dec 2	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Mar 3–16	—	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Feb 10–24	—	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Mar 10–24	Mar 25–31	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Mar 18–Apr 18, Sep 17–Oct 15	Mar 10–17, Apr 19–May 7, Aug 15–Sep 16	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	Jun 7–Jul 5	May 13–Jun 6, Jul 6–8	Apr 19–May 17	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Feb 24–Mar 10	Mar 11–Apr 21	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Jan 31–Mar 14, Sep 12–Dec 26	Mar 15–Apr 28, Jul 6–Sep 11, Dec 27–Jan 30	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Feb 24–Mar 10, Sep 6–26	Mar 11–May 2, Jul 22–Sep 5	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Mar 24–Apr 9, Aug 26–Oct 4	Apr 10–19, Jul 10–Aug 25	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Jan 28–Feb 21, Aug 24–Dec 28	Feb 22–Mar 22, May 23–Aug 23, Dec 29–Jan 27	Jun 22–Oct 26, Nov 26–Dec 20	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Feb 26–Apr 1, Sep 6–Oct 1	Feb 24–25, Apr 2–14, Jul 23–Sep 5	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Mar 3–25	Mar 26–Apr 4, Aug 9–Sep 14	Jan 27–Feb 18	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Feb 10–Mar 4, Sep 27–Dec 17	Mar 5–31, Sep 4–26, Dec 18–Feb 9	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	Mar 25–Apr 8	Set out plants
Moringa	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Feb 24–Mar 31, Sep 11–Oct 9	Feb 10–23, Apr 1–18, Aug 9–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Mar 10–30, Aug 23–Sep 9	Mar 31, Jul 17–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Apr 11–25, Aug 6–26	Apr 26–Aug 5	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	—	Set out plants
Okra	May 13–27, Aug 4–18	May 28–Aug 3	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Feb 10–Mar 26, Jun 11–Jul 4, Jul 17–Aug 5	Mar 27–Jun 10, Jul 5–16	Mar 26–Apr 18, May 1–20, Nov 25–Jan 8	Set out plants
Parsnip	Jan 25–Feb 18, Aug 24–Dec 29	Feb 19–Mar 19, May 19–Aug 23, Dec 30–Jan 24	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Feb 10–24, Aug 27–Sep 16	Feb 25–Apr 15, Aug 9–26	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Feb 10–24, Aug 27–Sep 16	Feb 25–Apr 13, Aug 9–26	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	May 13–27	May 28–Jun 13	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Apr 18–May 2, Jul 12–Aug 2	May 3–Jul 11	Feb 14–28, May 10–31	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Apr 11–25, Jul 22–Aug 12	Apr 26–Jul 21	Feb 7–21, May 20–Jun 10	Set out plants
Pigeon pea	May 13–31	—	—	Sow seeds
Popcorn	Apr 11–18	Apr 19–Jul 17	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Mar 7–23, Jul 13–Aug 1	Feb 24–Mar 6, Mar 24–Apr 8, Jun 13–Jul 12	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Apr 11–25, Jun 17–Jul 8	Apr 26–Jun 16	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	Apr 27–May 11, Aug 12–Sep 2	May 12–Aug 11	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Feb 24–Mar 3	Mar 4–23	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Mar 7–Apr 13, Sep 17–Oct 23	Feb 17–Mar 6, Apr 14–May 4, Aug 13–Sep 16	—	Sow seeds
Rhubarb	Feb 24–Mar 10	Mar 11–25	—	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Sep 20–Dec 21	Aug 27–Sep 19, Dec 22–Mar 5	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	May 2–23, Jun 15–Jul 6	May 24–Jun 14	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	May 13–27, Jun 15–Jul 5	May 28–Jun 14	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Feb 2–Mar 13, Aug 13–Dec 24	Mar 14–Apr 24, May 13–Aug 12, Dec 25–Feb 1	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	May 13–27, Jul 17–Aug 7	May 28–Jul 16	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Feb 4–Mar 8, Sep 27–Dec 22	Mar 9–Apr 15, Aug 19–Sep 26, Dec 23–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Apr 11–25, Aug 9–29	Apr 26–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Mar 23–Apr 13	Mar 3–22, Apr 14	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Apr 11–18, Jul 22–Aug 11	Apr 19–Jul 21	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	Jun 3–Jul 1	May 13–Jun 2, Jul 2–8	Apr 15–May 13	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Mar 3–24, Sep 3–24	Mar 25–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Aug 9	Feb 28–Mar 14	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Apr 11–25, Aug 6–26	Apr 26–Aug 5	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jun 18–Jul 8	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Mar 31–Apr 7, Aug 11–31	Apr 8–Aug 10	Feb 10–17, Jun 23–Jul 13	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 24–Aug 14	May 12–Jul 23	Mar 9–23, Jun 5–26	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Apr 11–25, Jul 24–Aug 14	Apr 26–Jul 23	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jun 5–26	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Apr 11–25, Jul 22–Aug 11	Apr 26–Jul 21	Feb 21–Mar 7, Jun 3–23	Set out plants
Turnip	Feb 24–Mar 10, Sep 8–29	Mar 11–May 2, Jul 22–Sep 7	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Mar 3–17	Mar 18–Apr 28	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	Apr 27–May 11, Jun 17–Jul 8	May 12–Jun 16	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Apr 11–25, Jun 27–Jul 18	Apr 26–Jun 26	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	May 13–27, Jul 22–Aug 7	May 28–Jul 21	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 7–Mar 7	Set out plants
Basil	Apr 27–May 4, Aug 4–24	May 5–Aug 3	Mar 23–30, Jun 30–Jul 20	Set out plants
Bee balm (bergamot)	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 3–Mar 3	Set out plants
Borage	Mar 17–Apr 20, Aug 1–Sep 10	Apr 21–May 20, Jun 17–Jul 31	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Mar 3–17, Aug 9–30	Mar 18–Apr 11, Jun 17–Aug 8	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Mar 10–31	Apr 1–21	Jan 20–Feb 10	Set out plants
Chamomile	Feb 24–Mar 10, Aug 24–Sep 14	Mar 11–Apr 22, Jul 1–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Mar 3–24, Sep 11–29	Mar 25–Apr 11, Aug 19–Sep 10	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 3–Mar 3	Set out plants
Cilantro	Mar 10–27, Sep 3–21	Mar 28–Apr 7, Aug 9–Sep 2	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	May 25–Jun 22	Apr 27–May 24	—	Set out plants
Culantro	May 13–27	May 28–Jul 8	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Mar 10–17, Aug 25–Sep 15	Mar 18–May 5, Jul 15–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Apr 11–25, Aug 18–Sep 8	Apr 26–Aug 17	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Mar 24–Apr 13, Sep 1–27	Apr 14–25, Jul 27–Aug 31	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Mar 17–Apr 11	Apr 12–May 6	Jan 27–Feb 21	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 3–Mar 3	Set out plants
Lavender	Mar 31–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Jan 13–Feb 3	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Mar 11–Apr 1	Mar 10, Apr 2–21	Feb 4–25	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Apr 23–May 17	Mar 31–Apr 22, May 18–19	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	Jun 7–Jul 5	May 13–Jun 6, Jul 6–8	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Mar 10–25	Mar 26–Apr 10	Jan 20–Feb 4	Set out plants
Marjoram	Apr 9–May 3	Mar 31–Apr 8, May 4–19	Feb 19–Mar 15	Set out plants
Mint	Mar 10–31	Apr 1–21	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 3–Mar 3	Set out plants
Papalo	Apr 27–May 11	May 12–Aug 14	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Mar 3–17, Aug 9–30	Mar 18–May 6, May 23–Aug 8	Jun 7–28, Dec 30–Jan 13	Set out plants
Rosemary	Mar 31–Apr 24	Apr 25–May 19	Jan 13–Feb 6	Set out plants
Sage	Mar 17–Apr 14	Apr 15–May 12	Jan 27–Feb 24	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Apr 11–18	Apr 19–Aug 21	Mar 7–14	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Mar 3–31	Apr 1–28	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	May 22–Jun 15	Apr 27–May 21	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Mar 27–Apr 10	Apr 11–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Mar 24–Apr 12	Apr 13–May 1	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Jan 27–Feb 24	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	May 9–Jun 6	Apr 11–May 8	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Feb 3–Mar 3	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Feb 17–Mar 10	Mar 11–Apr 21	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Feb 4–Mar 3	Mar 4–Apr 22	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 10–30	May 12–Jul 9	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Aug 14	Mar 7–21	Set out plants
Fig	Mar 3–31	Apr 1–May 12	—	Set out plants
Grape (bunch)	Feb 24–Mar 24	Mar 25–Apr 7	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Apr 11–25	Apr 26–Aug 19	Feb 21–Mar 7	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Mar 3–24	Mar 25–Apr 14	—	Set out plants
Raspberry	Feb 24–Mar 17	Mar 18–Apr 7	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Feb 24–Mar 24	Mar 25–Apr 21	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Apr 27–May 11, Jul 7–28	May 12–Jul 6	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Jun 23–Aug 24	Apr 11–Jun 22, Aug 25–Sep 8	Apr 14–Jun 15	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Feb 24–Mar 21	Mar 22–Apr 7, Aug 9–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Jun 7–Aug 11	Mar 24–Jun 6	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Mar 10–Apr 8, Aug 21–Sep 26	Apr 9–May 1, Jul 9–Aug 20	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Feb 24–Mar 21	Mar 22–Apr 7, Aug 9–Sep 11	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	May 13–20, Jul 12–31	May 21–Jul 11	Mar 25–Apr 1, May 24–Jun 12	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	May 28–Jul 27	Apr 11–May 27, Jul 28–Aug 9	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Feb 24–Mar 17	Mar 18–Apr 7	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	May 31–Jul 27	Apr 27–May 30, Jul 28–Aug 19	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	May 29–Jul 25	Apr 27–May 28, Jul 26–Aug 19	Apr 10–Jun 6	Set out plants
Larkspur	Sep 15–Dec 19	Aug 19–Sep 14, Dec 20–Mar 13	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Jun 20–Aug 21	Apr 11–Jun 19, Aug 22–Sep 3	May 2–Jul 3	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Mar 29–Apr 26	Mar 24–28, Apr 27–May 19	Feb 22–Mar 22	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Apr 5–20, Aug 7–Sep 8	Mar 27–Apr 4, Apr 21–May 2, Jul 11–Aug 6	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Feb 10–Mar 3, Sep 21–Oct 11	Mar 4–Apr 14, Aug 27–Sep 20	Jul 6–26, Nov 25–Dec 16	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	Jun 13–Aug 8	May 13–Jun 12, Aug 9–Sep 2	Apr 11–Jun 6	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Mar 24–Apr 21	Apr 22–May 19	Jan 6–Feb 3	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Feb 24–Mar 10	—	Dec 23–Jan 6	Set out plants
Statice	Mar 24–Apr 7, Aug 10–31	Apr 8–May 7, Jun 18–Aug 9	Jan 20–Feb 3, Jun 8–29	Set out plants
Stock	Mar 10–24, Sep 8–29	Mar 25–Apr 14, Aug 19–Sep 7	Jan 6–20, Jul 7–28	Set out plants
Strawflower	Mar 27–Apr 10, Aug 18–Sep 7	Apr 11–May 19, Jun 15–Aug 17	Feb 6–20, Jun 30–Jul 20	Set out plants
Sunflower	Jun 5–Aug 1	Apr 11–Jun 4, Aug 2–4	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Mar 3–Apr 6, Aug 24–Sep 28	Apr 7–May 2, Jul 11–Aug 23	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Feb 10–Mar 10	Mar 11–20	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Jun 3–Jul 31	Apr 27–Jun 2, Aug 1–21	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Washington

These need a climate Washington 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 30°F.
Bay laurel: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 32°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Cassava (yuca): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Chaya (tree spinach): Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 40°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Jicama: The frost-free season (about 239 days) is shorter than the 180 days it needs.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Passion fruit: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 44°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 30°F.
Roselle: The frost-free season (about 239 days) is shorter than the 165 days it needs.
Taro (dasheen): The frost-free season (about 239 days) is shorter than the 225 days it needs.

Nearby planting calendars

Baltimore, MD 36 mi · last frost around Mar 24
Wilmington, DE 99 mi · last frost around Apr 7
Philadelphia, PA 124 mi · last frost around Mar 30
Virginia Beach, VA 152 mi · last frost around Mar 29
Newark, NJ 198 mi · last frost around Apr 4
All Washington, D.C. 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 Washington Reagan Airport 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).