Planting Calendar for Bristol, VA
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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 Guide for more specific planting, plant care, and harvesting information.
Specifically, on the charts, there are different columns labeled as follows:
- Start Seeds Indoors: When to sow seeds indoors to get an early start on the season.
- 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.
- Start Seeds Outdoors: When to plant seeds directly into the outdoor soil.
- 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 Dates for Fall
Crop | Based on Frost Dates Based on Moon Dates | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Seeds Outdoors | Transplant | Average Days to Maturity | Frost Tolerance | ||
Arugula | Aug 27-Oct 1 Aug 27-Sep 7, Sep 21-Oct 1 | N/A | 40 | Frost-hardy | |
Beets | Jul 23-Aug 20 Jul 23, Aug 10-20 | N/A | 50 | Frost-tolerant | |
Bok Choy | Aug 6-27 Aug 6-9, Aug 23-27 | N/A | 50 | Frost-tolerant | |
Broccoli | Jul 16-23 | Aug 6-20 Aug 6-9 | 60 | Frost-tolerant | |
Brussels Sprouts | Jun 25-Jul 9 Jun 25-Jul 9 | N/A | 100 | Frost-hardy | |
Cabbage | Jul 16-23 | Aug 6-13 Aug 6-9 | 90 | Frost-tolerant | |
Carrots | Jul 30-Aug 6 | N/A | 70 | Frost-tolerant | |
Cauliflower | Jul 9-16 Jul 9-10 | Jul 23-30 Jul 24-30 | 75 | Frost-tolerant | |
Chives | Jul 23-Aug 20 Jul 24-Aug 9 | N/A | 70 | Frost-tolerant | |
Fennel | Jul 16-30 Jul 24-30 | N/A | 80 | Tender | |
Garlic | Oct 29-Nov 11 Nov 6-11 | N/A | 120 | Frost-hardy | |
Green Beans | Jul 30-Aug 13 Jul 30-Aug 9 | N/A | 55 | Tender | |
Kale | Aug 6-20 Aug 6-9 | N/A | 60 | Frost-hardy | |
Kohlrabi | Aug 13-Sep 3 Aug 23-Sep 3 | N/A | 45 | Frost-tolerant | |
Lettuce | Aug 6-20 Aug 6-9 | N/A | 60 | Frost-tolerant | |
Mustard Greens | Aug 13-Sep 3 Aug 23-Sep 3 | N/A | 45 | Tender | |
Peas | Aug 6-20 Aug 6-9 | N/A | 55 | Tender | |
Radishes | Sep 3-17 Sep 8-17 | N/A | 25 | Frost-tolerant | |
Spinach | Aug 27-Sep 17 Aug 27-Sep 7 | N/A | 30 | Frost-hardy | |
Swiss Chard | Aug 6-20 Aug 6-9 | N/A | 60 | Frost-tolerant | |
Turnips | Aug 13-27 Aug 13-22 | N/A | 50 | Frost-tolerant |
Planting Dates for Spring
Crop | Based on Frost Dates Based on Moon Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Start Seeds Indoors | Plant Seedlings or Transplants | Start Seeds Outdoors | Last Date to Plant | |
Arugula | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | Apr 7-21 Apr 7-12 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | Sep 17 |
Asparagus | N/A | N/A | Apr 14-28 Apr 14-26 | Apr 28 |
Basil | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | May 12-26 May 12 | May 12-26 May 12 | Sep 3 |
Beets | N/A | Apr 14-28 Apr 14-26 | Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Bell Peppers | Feb 16-Mar 2 Feb 27-Mar 2 | May 12-19 May 12 | N/A | Jul 23 |
Bok Choy | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | May 12-19 May 12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Jun 9 |
Broccoli | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | Aug 13 |
Brussels Sprouts | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | Jul 9 |
Cabbage | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 5 |
Cantaloupes | Apr 7-21 Apr 7-12 | Apr 28-May 12 Apr 28-May 12 | May 5-12 May 5-12 | Jul 9 |
Carrots | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 14 Apr 13-14 | Aug 6 |
Cauliflower | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 21-May 5 Apr 27-May 5 | N/A | Jul 30 |
Celery | Feb 2-16 Feb 2-12 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | Apr 28 Apr 28 | Aug 6 |
Chives | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Aug 20 |
Cilantro (Coriander) | N/A | N/A | Apr 28-May 12 Apr 28-May 12 | May 19 |
Collards | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Aug 6 |
Cucumbers | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Aug 6 |
Dill | N/A | N/A | Apr 21-May 12 Apr 27-May 12 | Aug 20 |
Dry Beans | N/A | N/A | May 12-19 May 12 | Jul 9 |
Eggplants | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | May 12-19 May 12 | N/A | Aug 6 |
Fava Beans | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Fennel | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | May 5-12 May 5-12 | Apr 28-May 12 Apr 28-May 12 | Jul 30 |
Green Beans | N/A | N/A | May 5-26 May 5-12, May 26 | Aug 6 |
Honeydew Melons | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Jul 16 |
Jalapeño Peppers | Feb 16-Mar 2 Feb 27-Mar 2 | May 12-19 May 12 | N/A | |
Kale | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Kohlrabi | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Leeks | Feb 16-Mar 2 Feb 27-Mar 2 | Apr 7-21 Apr 7-12 | N/A | Jul 2 |
Lettuce | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Microgreens | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Mustard Greens | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Okra | Mar 31-Apr 14 Mar 31-Apr 12 | May 12-19 May 12 | May 12-26 May 12 | Aug 6 |
Onions | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 14 Apr 13-14 | N/A | Jul 9 |
Oregano | Feb 16-Mar 17 Feb 27-Mar 14 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | N/A | Aug 6 |
Parsley | Feb 16-Mar 2 Feb 27-Mar 2 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | Mar 31-May 5 Mar 31-Apr 12, Apr 27-May 5 | Jul 30 |
Parsnips | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 7 | Jul 9 |
Peanuts | N/A | N/A | May 19-Jun 2 May 19-25 | |
Peas | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Potatoes | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 14 Apr 13-14 | Aug 6 |
Pumpkins | Apr 7-21 Apr 7-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Jul 2 |
Radishes | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 7 | Aug 20 |
Rosemary | Feb 2-16 Feb 2-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | N/A | Aug 20 |
Sage | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | N/A | Jul 30 |
Salsify | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 14 Apr 13-14 | Jul 9 |
Spinach | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | Mar 31-Apr 7 Mar 31-Apr 7 | May 12 |
Sweet Corn | N/A | N/A | May 12-26 May 12 | Jul 30 |
Sweet Potatoes | N/A | N/A | May 12-26 May 13-25 | Jul 2 |
Swiss Chard | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | Apr 14-28 Apr 27-28 | Apr 7-28 Apr 7-12, Apr 27-28 | May 12 |
Thyme | Feb 16-Mar 2 Feb 27-Mar 2 | May 5-12 May 5-12 | N/A | Jul 23 |
Tomatillos | Mar 17-31 Mar 29-31 | May 12-26 May 12 | N/A | Jul 30 |
Tomatoes | Mar 2-17 Mar 2-14 | May 12-19 May 12 | N/A | Jul 16 |
Turnips | N/A | N/A | Mar 31-Apr 7 | Sep 17 |
Watermelons | Apr 7-21 Apr 7-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | May 5-12 May 5-12 | Jul 16 |
Winter Squash | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Jun 25 |
Zucchini (Summer Squash) | Apr 7-14 Apr 7-12 | May 5-19 May 5-12 | May 12-19 May 12 | Aug 13 |
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, controlled environment. Outdoors, the unpredictability of rain, drought, frost, low and high temperatures, sunlight, pests, and diseases can take a toll on young plants, especially when they're just starting. Indoors, you can control these elements to maximize your plants' early growth and give them the best shot at 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 grow large and healthy enough to survive their eventual transplanting to 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, start hardening off your seedlings approximately one week before your last frost date, then transplant them into the garden. Get more tips for transplanting seedlings.
What Is Planting by the Moon?
Planting by 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 until the 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 about Planting and Gardening by the Moon.