When to Plant Vegetables, Herbs & Fruits Planting Calendars for 350 Cities

The world's most popular garden vegetable. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather with consistent moisture.

Essential culinary herb with fragrant leaves. Many varieties from sweet to Thai.

Cool-season crop perfect for spring and fall. Bolts (goes to seed) in heat.

Root vegetable that sweetens after a light frost. Needs loose, stone-free soil.

Heat-loving plants ranging from sweet bell peppers to fiery chilies.

Fast-growing vine that produces abundantly in warm weather.

Prolific summer squash -- one plant can feed a family. Easy for beginners.

Nutrient-dense cool-season green. One of the first crops you can plant in spring.

Extremely cold-hardy superfood. Flavor actually improves after frost.

Vigorous herb that spreads aggressively. Best grown in containers.

Mediterranean woody herb. Drought-tolerant once established. Fragrant evergreen.

Cool-season herb essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking. Bolts quickly in heat.

Easy warm-season crop. Bush types need no support; pole types need trellis.

Cool-season climber. One of the earliest spring crops. Kids love picking them.

Underground tuber crop. Satisfying to grow -- dig up your own potatoes.

Plant in fall, harvest in summer. Needs cold period for bulb formation.

Long-season crop. Choose short-day varieties for southern latitudes, long-day for northern.

Perennial fruit that produces for years. Nothing beats homegrown strawberries.

Iconic warm-season flower. Giant varieties can reach 3+ meters tall.

Drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb. Fragrant flowers attract pollinators.

From mild jalapenos to scorching habaneros. Heat-loving plants that thrive in summer.

The fastest vegetable -- harvest in as little as 3 weeks. Perfect for beginners.

Tropical root vegetable. Needs long warm season -- 4+ months of warm weather.

Hardy Mediterranean herb. Low-growing ground cover with tiny aromatic leaves.

Biennial herb -- grows leaves year one, flowers year two. Flat-leaf has more flavor.

Heat-loving nightshade. Needs long warm season. Beautiful purple fruit and flowers.

Cool-season brassica. Harvest main head, then enjoy side shoots for weeks.

Summer's iconic fruit. Needs space, heat, and patience. Worth the wait.

Plant in blocks (not rows) for wind pollination. Each stalk produces 1-2 ears.

Fast-growing Asian green. Crunchy stalks and tender leaves. Great in stir-fries.

Peppery salad green that grows fast in cool weather. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine.

Dual-purpose root vegetable -- eat both roots and nutritious greens.

Cold-hardy brassica that sweetens after frost. Long growing season required.

Versatile cool-season crop. Stores well for months after harvest.

Demanding but rewarding brassica. Needs consistent cool temps for tight heads.

Moisture-loving vegetable that needs a long cool growing season.

Colorful, heat-tolerant green related to beets. Beautiful rainbow stems.

Southern staple green that handles both heat and cold better than most brassicas.

Feathery herb essential for pickles, fish, and Scandinavian cooking.

Anise-flavored bulb and fronds. Both the bulb and feathery leaves are edible.

Tropical rhizome with spicy, aromatic flavor. Grows well in containers.

Quick-growing allium. Regrows from roots after cutting. Perfect windowsill crop.

Popular medium-heat chili. Versatile in cooking from salsas to poppers.

Unusual-looking brassica with sweet, crisp flesh. Edible raw or cooked.

Mild, sweet allium. Hardy enough to overwinter in many climates.

Tropical grass with intense citrus flavor. Essential in Thai and Vietnamese cooking.

Sweet, fragrant melon that needs long, hot summers. Ripe when stem slips easily.

Spicy, peppery greens that grow fast in cool weather. Many colorful varieties.

Heat-loving Southern staple. Beautiful hibiscus-like flowers before pods form.

Mediterranean perennial herb. More flavorful when dried than fresh.

Sweet root vegetable that needs cold to develop flavor. Slow to germinate.

Classic fall crop. Sprawling vines need lots of space.

Woody perennial herb. Silver-green leaves with earthy, savory flavor.

Gourmet allium with delicate, complex flavor. Multiplies from single bulb.

Sweet, crunchy pods eaten whole. Perfect cool-season snack straight from the vine.

Sweet, nutty winter squash. Stores for months in cool, dry conditions.

Small, ribbed winter squash. Perfect single-serving size when halved and baked.

Essential for salsa verde. Tangy fruit in papery husks. Very productive.

Fast-growing root vegetable. Both roots and greens are edible and nutritious.

Peppery aquatic green. Can grow in shallow running water or very moist soil.

Stunning architectural plant. Perennial in mild climates. Edible flower buds.

Perennial crop that produces for 20+ years. Worth the 2-3 year wait to first harvest.

Vigorous bramble fruit. Thornless varieties available. Very productive once established.

Acid-loving berry bush. Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5). Beautiful fall foliage.

Delicate, flavorful berry. Everbearing types produce summer and fall crops.

Ancient fruit tree. Can be grown in containers. Sweet, honey-flavored fruit.

Vigorous climbing vine. Table grapes, wine grapes, and muscadines for warm areas.

Evergreen citrus tree. Meyer lemons are best for home gardens.

Tropical citrus. Key limes and Persian limes both thrive in warm climates.

Tropical tree fruit. Takes years to fruit from seed. Dwarf varieties available.

King of tropical fruits. Large, beautiful tree. Hundreds of delicious varieties.

Fast-growing tropical fruit. Can fruit within a year from seed.

Tropical climbing vine with exotic flowers and tangy fruit.

Tropical bromeliad. Grow from the top of a store-bought pineapple.

Tropical herbaceous plant (not a tree). Dwarf varieties fruit in containers.

Golden spice rhizome related to ginger. Beautiful foliage.

Expensive tropical spice. Related to ginger.

Tropical tree -- the bark is harvested as the spice.

Tropical orchid vine. The world's most labor-intensive spice.

Daisy-like flowers used for soothing tea.

Cheerful annual that repels pests. Essential companion plant.

Vibrant cut flower in every color. Attracts butterflies. Easy from seed.

Stunning tuberous perennial with incredible variety.

Prolific trailing annual. Perfect for hanging baskets and containers.

Cheerful cool-season flower with face-like markings. Edible flowers.

Tall, colorful spikes. Cool-season flower that kids love to pinch open.

Airy, delicate flowers on tall stems. Thrives in poor soil.

Intensely fragrant climbing flower.

Fast-growing climbing vine with trumpet flowers that open each morning.

Fall-blooming perennial in every color.

The queen of flowers. Thousands of varieties. Fragrant blooms.

Intensely fragrant vine or shrub.

Tropical showstopper with dinner-plate sized flowers.

Exotic beauty. Phalaenopsis orchids are easiest for beginners.

Medicinal succulent. Gel soothes burns and skin. Easy houseplant.

Fastest-growing plant on earth. Clumping types for privacy screens.

Lemony mint-family herb for teas and cooking.

Natural sweetener plant -- leaves are 30x sweeter than sugar.

French tarragon has anise flavor essential to French cuisine.

Hardy perennial allium. Mild onion flavor. Purple pom-pom flowers are edible.

Ancient grain with nutritious seeds and edible leaves. Dramatic red/purple foliage.

Licorice-flavored herb used in baking, teas, and liqueurs. Delicate white flower clusters.

Evergreen tree producing aromatic bay leaves essential in soups and stews.

Heat-loving legume that fixes nitrogen in soil. Southern US staple crop.

Large, dark berry -- a cross of raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. Intense flavor.

Hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Long tender stems with small florets.

Source of chocolate. Tropical understory tree with pods growing directly from trunk.

Bright orange/yellow medicinal flower. Petals are edible and used in salves.

Mint-family herb that drives cats wild. Also makes a calming tea for humans.

Fiery hot pepper dried and ground into cayenne powder. Prolific producer.

Ancient legume for hummus and curries. Also called garbanzo bean. Fixes nitrogen.

Bitter green used in salads. Root can be roasted as coffee substitute.

Napa cabbage with mild, sweet flavor. Essential for kimchi and stir-fries.

Nitrogen-fixing cover crop and lawn alternative. Flowers are edible.

Tropical shrub producing coffee cherries. Makes an attractive houseplant too.

Deep-rooted herb used as compost activator and mulch. Powerful nutrient accumulator.

Fastest food crop -- ready in a week. Peppery sprouts for salads and sandwiches.

Essential herb in South Indian cuisine. Small tree with aromatic compound leaves.

Underrated superfood green. Entire plant is edible -- leaves, roots, flowers.

Stunning cactus fruit with pink skin and speckled flesh. Night-blooming flowers.

Young green soybeans. High-protein snack straight from the garden.

Hardy shrub with immune-boosting berries for syrups, jams, and wine.

Bitter salad green with curly leaves. Blanching reduces bitterness.

Herb with maple-scented leaves and seeds. Key spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.

Tall, stately biennial with tubular flowers. Source of heart medicine digitalis.

Intensely fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers in every color. Grows from corms.

Superfruit shrub producing small red berries packed with antioxidants.

Tart berry bush perfect for jams and pies. Very cold-hardy. Thorny stems.

Extremely hot pepper (100,000-350,000 Scoville). Fruity, intense heat.

Vigorous climbing vine essential for brewing beer. Cones have sedative properties.

Pungent root condiment. Extremely hardy perennial that can become invasive.

Ancient medicinal herb with blue flower spikes. Attracts pollinators.

Largest tree fruit in the world -- can weigh 35kg. Meat substitute when unripe.

Crispy, sweet root vegetable eaten raw in salads. Needs long warm season.

Vigorous vine producing fuzzy brown fruit. Hardy kiwi varieties for cold climates.

Tiny citrus eaten whole -- sweet skin with tart flesh. Most cold-hardy citrus.

Protein-rich pulse crop. Easy to grow in dry climates. Nitrogen-fixing.

Beloved spring-blooming shrub with intensely fragrant flower clusters.

Tropical gourd -- eat young like zucchini, or dry for natural sponges.

Tall spikes of pea-like flowers in stunning colors. Fixes nitrogen in soil.

Sweeter, milder cousin of oregano. Essential in Mediterranean cooking.

Ancient drought-tolerant grain. Tiny seeds used in porridge, bread, and birdseed.

Miracle tree -- leaves are incredibly nutritious. Fast-growing tropical tree.

Hardy fruit tree with sweet-tart berries. Birds love them -- net to protect harvest.

Edible flower with peppery flavor. Leaves, flowers, and seed pods all edible.

Smooth-skinned peach relative. Needs winter chill hours for fruit production.

Love-in-a-mist -- delicate blue flowers with feathery foliage and ornamental seed pods.

Ancient Mediterranean tree. Drought-tolerant once established. Lives centuries.

Beloved stone fruit with fuzzy skin and sweet juicy flesh. Needs winter chill.

Long-lived fruit tree. Pick before fully ripe and ripen indoors. Asian and European types.

Creeping mint-family herb used as natural insect repellent. Strong minty scent.

Beautiful ornamental fruit tree. American and Asian varieties. Sweet when fully ripe.

Adaptable stone fruit. European plums for eating fresh, Japanese for cooking.

Ancient fruit with ruby seeds (arils). Drought-tolerant once established.

Delicate crepe-paper flowers. Ornamental varieties include California, Shirley, and Iceland poppies.

Andean pseudocereal -- complete protein grain. Beautiful seed heads in red, gold, or white.

Bitter Italian chicory with stunning red leaves and white ribs. Grilled or in salads.

Perennial with tart edible stalks for pies and jams. Leaves are toxic.

Sweet root vegetable -- cross between cabbage and turnip. Excellent stored for winter.

World's most expensive spice. Purple crocus flowers with red stigmas harvested by hand.

Peppery herb in two forms: summer savory (annual) and winter savory (perennial).

Ancient oilseed crop producing tiny, flavorful seeds. Beautiful trumpet flowers.

Heat and drought-tolerant grain. Fifth most important cereal worldwide.

Tangy, lemony perennial green. French sorrel is milder than garden sorrel.

World's most important legume. Incredibly versatile -- tofu, tempeh, milk, oil.

Tropical evergreen tree producing star-shaped spice pods. Key in Chinese five-spice.

Tropical tree with waxy, star-shaped fruit when sliced. Sweet-tart flavor.

Garden-fresh corn is incredibly sweet. Plant in blocks for wind pollination.

Tropical root staple. Giant elephant-ear leaves. Must be cooked before eating.

Camellia sinensis -- source of all true tea (green, black, oolong, white).

Bold orange spotted lily. Extremely hardy bulb that naturalizes easily.

Iconic spring bulb in every color. Over 3,000 registered varieties.

Notoriously difficult to grow Japanese condiment. Needs cool running water.

Hard-shelled squash that stores for months. Includes hubbard, delicata, spaghetti.

True tropical yam -- not to be confused with sweet potato. Staple in Africa and Asia.

Tough perennial with flat flower clusters. Medicinal herb and pollinator magnet.

Blue star flowers taste like cucumber. Excellent bee plant and companion.

Aztec superfood producing omega-3 rich seeds. Purple flower spikes.

Tart bog berry for sauces and juices. Low-growing evergreen groundcover.

Dual-purpose crop: seeds for omega-3 oil, stems for linen fiber. Blue flowers.

Tropical fruit tree with aromatic fruit. Rich in vitamin C. Easy to grow.

Prized tropical fruit with floral aroma and translucent flesh in rough red shell.

Tall perennial herb with intense celery flavor. One plant feeds a family.

Japanese mustard green with feathery leaves and mild, peppery flavor.

Exotic, intricate flowers on vigorous vine. Some varieties produce edible fruit.

Ground cherry / cape gooseberry with sweet fruit in papery husks.

Shade-loving groundcover with vanilla-scented leaves. Used in May wine.

Asian rosette green with spoon-shaped leaves. Mild mustard flavor.

Clusters of small flowers in vivid colors. Excellent for containers and borders.

Aquatic perennial for ponds and water features. Hardy and tropical varieties.

Spectacular cascading flower clusters on woody vine. Intensely fragrant.

Low-growing evergreen with minty leaves and red berries. Classic winter flavor.

Fast-growing pseudocereal and cover crop. Flowers attract bees for buckwheat honey.

Intensely flavored berry for jams, syrups, and cassis liqueur. Very cold-hardy.

Celery root -- knobby root with intense celery flavor. Great for soups and purees.

Delicate French herb with mild anise flavor. One of the four fines herbes.

Mexican herb essential for cooking black beans. Strong, pungent flavor.

Ginger-like rhizome essential in Thai cooking. Harder and more piney than ginger.

Christmas/Lenten rose -- blooms in late winter when nothing else does. Evergreen.

Chinese date -- sweet, date-like fruit on extremely drought-tolerant tree.

Tropical vine with thick, succulent leaves. Spinach substitute that loves heat.

Heat-tolerant spinach alternative. Spreading ground cover with triangular leaves.

Shiso -- Japanese herb with unique flavor. Green and purple varieties.

Wild leek -- prized spring ephemeral with garlicky flavor. Gourmet delicacy.

Fractal-patterned brassica -- stunning chartreuse spiraling florets.

Oyster plant -- root tastes like oysters when cooked. Forgotten heirloom vegetable.

Andean root with sweet, crunchy, juicy flesh. Eat raw like a fruit.