Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (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 Sturbridge, MA (1)

Planting Dates for Fall

On average, your first fall frost occurs on October 8 (at E BRIMFIELD LAKE, MA climate station).
CropPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (2) Based on Frost Dates
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (3) Based on Moon Dates
Start Seeds OutdoorsTransplantAverage Days to MaturityFrost Tolerance
ArugulaPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (4) Aug 20-Sep 24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (5) Sep 2-17
N/A40Frost-hardy
BeetsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (6) Jul 16-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (7) Jul 22-Aug 3
N/A50Frost-tolerant
Bok ChoyPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (8) Jul 30-Aug 20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (9) Aug 4-19
N/A50Frost-tolerant
BroccoliPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (10) Jul 9-16
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (11) Jul 9-16
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (12) Jul 30-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (13) Aug 4-13
60Frost-tolerant
Brussels SproutsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (14) Jun 18-Jul 2
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (15) Jun 18-21
N/A100Frost-hardy
CabbagePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (16) Jul 9-16
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (17) Jul 9-16
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (18) Jul 30-Aug 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (19) Aug 4-6
90Frost-tolerant
CarrotsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (20) Jul 23-30
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (21) Jul 23-30
N/A70Frost-tolerant
CauliflowerPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (22) Jul 2-9
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (23) Jul 5-9
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (24) Jul 16-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (25) Jul 16-21
75Frost-tolerant
ChivesPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (26) Jul 16-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (27) Jul 16-21, Aug 4-13
N/A70Frost-tolerant
FennelPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (28) Jul 9-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (29) Jul 9-21
N/A80Tender
GarlicPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (30) Oct 22-Nov 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (31) Oct 22-31
N/A120Frost-hardy
Green BeansPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (32) Jul 23-Aug 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (33) Aug 4-6
N/A55Tender
KalePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (34) Jul 30-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (35) Aug 4-13
N/A60Frost-hardy
KohlrabiPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (36) Aug 6-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (37) Aug 6-19
N/A45Frost-tolerant
LettucePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (38) Jul 30-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (39) Aug 4-13
N/A60Frost-tolerant
Mustard GreensPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (40) Aug 6-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (41) Aug 6-19
N/A45Tender
PeasPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (42) Jul 30-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (43) Aug 4-13
N/A55Tender
RadishesPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (44) Aug 27-Sep 10
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (45) Aug 27-Sep 1
N/A25Frost-tolerant
SpinachPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (46) Aug 20-Sep 10
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (47) Sep 2-10
N/A30Frost-hardy
Swiss ChardPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (48) Jul 30-Aug 13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (49) Aug 4-13
N/A60Frost-tolerant
TurnipsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (50) Aug 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (51) Aug 20
N/A50Frost-tolerant

Planting Dates for Spring

On average, your last spring frost occurs on May 4 (at E BRIMFIELD LAKE, MA climate station, elevation 698 feet).
CropPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (52) Based on Frost Dates
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (53) Based on Moon Dates
Start Seeds IndoorsPlant Seedlings
or Transplants
Start Seeds OutdoorsLast Date to Plant
ArugulaPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (54) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (55) Apr 13-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (56) Apr 13-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (57) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (58) Apr 8-13
Sep 10
AsparagusN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (59) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (60) Apr 24-May 4
May 4
BasilPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (61) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (62) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (63) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (64) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (65) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (66) May 18-23
Aug 27
BeetsN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (67) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (68) Apr 24-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (69) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (70) Apr 6-7
May 18
Bell PeppersPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (71) Feb 23-Mar 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (72) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (73) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (74) May 18-23
N/AJul 16
Bok ChoyPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (75) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (76) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (77) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (78) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (79) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (80) May 18-23
Jun 15
BroccoliPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (81) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (82) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (83) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (84) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (85) Apr 8-13
Aug 6
Brussels SproutsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (86) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (87) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (88) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (89) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (90) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (91) Apr 8-13
Jul 2
CabbagePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (92) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (93) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (94) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (95) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (96) Apr 8-13
May 11
CantaloupesPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (97) Apr 13-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (98) Apr 13-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (99) May 4-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (100) May 7-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (101) May 11-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (102) May 11-18
Jul 2
CarrotsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (103) Apr 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (104) Apr 6-7
Jul 30
CauliflowerPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (105) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (106) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (107) Apr 27-May 11
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (108) May 7-11
N/AJul 23
CeleryPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (109) Feb 9-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (110) Feb 9-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (111) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (112) May 11-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (113) May 4
Jul 30
ChivesPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (114) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (115) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (116) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (117) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (118) Apr 13-20
Aug 13
Cilantro (Coriander)N/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (119) May 4-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (120) May 7-18
May 25
CollardsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (121) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (122) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (123) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (124) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (125) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (126) Apr 13-20
Jul 30
CucumbersPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (127) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (128) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (129) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (130) May 11-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (131) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (132) May 18-23
Jul 30
DillN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (133) Apr 27-May 18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (134) May 7-18
Aug 13
Dry BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (135) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (136) May 18-23
Jul 2
EggplantsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (137) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (138) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (139) May 18-23
N/AJul 30
Fava BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (140) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (141) Apr 8-13
May 18
FennelPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (142) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (143) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (144) May 11-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (145) May 11-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (146) May 4-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (147) May 7-18
Jul 23
Green BeansN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (148) May 11-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (149) May 11-23
Jul 30
Honeydew MelonsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (150) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (151) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (152) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (153) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (154) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (155) May 18-23
Jul 9
Jalapeño PeppersPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (156) Feb 23-Mar 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (157) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (158) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (159) May 18-23
N/A
KalePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (160) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (161) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (162) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (163) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (164) Apr 8-13
May 18
KohlrabiPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (165) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (166) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (167) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (168) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (169) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (170) Apr 8-13
May 18
LeeksPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (171) Feb 23-Mar 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (172) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (173) Apr 13-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (174) Apr 13-23
N/AJun 25
LettucePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (175) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (176) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (177) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (178) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (179) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (180) Apr 8-13
May 18
MicrogreensN/AN/AN/A
Mustard GreensN/AN/AN/A
OkraPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (181) Apr 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (182) Apr 8-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (183) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (184) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (185) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (186) May 18-23
Jul 30
OnionsN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (187) Apr 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (188) Apr 6-7
N/AJul 2
OreganoPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (189) Feb 23-Mar 23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (190) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (191) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (192) May 11-23
N/AJul 30
ParsleyPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (193) Feb 23-Mar 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (194) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (195) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (196) May 11-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (197) Apr 6-May 11
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (198) Apr 8-23
Jul 23
ParsnipsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (199) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (200) Apr 6-7
Jul 2
PeanutsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (201) May 25-Jun 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (202) May 25-Jun 5
PeasN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (203) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (204) Apr 8-13
May 18
PotatoesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (205) Apr 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (206) Apr 6-7
Jul 30
PumpkinsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (207) Apr 13-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (208) Apr 13-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (209) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (210) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (211) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (212) May 18-23
Jun 25
RadishesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (213) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (214) Apr 6-7
Aug 13
RosemaryPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (215) Feb 9-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (216) Feb 9-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (217) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (218) May 18-23
N/AAug 13
SagePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (219) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (220) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (221) May 11-23
N/AJul 23
SalsifyN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (222) Apr 6-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (223) Apr 6-7
Jul 2
SpinachPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (224) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (225) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (226) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (227) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (228) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (229) Apr 8-13
May 18
Sweet CornN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (230) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (231) May 18-23
Jul 23
Sweet PotatoesN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (232) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (233) May 24-Jun 1
Jun 25
Swiss ChardPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (234) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (235) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (236) Apr 20-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (237) Apr 20-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (238) Apr 13-May 4
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (239) Apr 13-23
May 18
ThymePlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (240) Feb 23-Mar 8
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (241) Feb 23-24
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (242) May 11-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (243) May 11-18
N/AJul 16
TomatillosPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (244) Mar 23-Apr 6
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (245) Mar 23-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (246) May 18-Jun 1
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (247) May 18-23
N/AJul 23
TomatoesPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (248) Mar 8-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (249) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (250) May 18-23
N/AJul 9
TurnipsN/AN/APlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (251) Apr 6-13
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (252) Apr 6-7
Sep 10
WatermelonsPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (253) Apr 13-27
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (254) Apr 13-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (255) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (256) May 18-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (257) May 11-18
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (258) May 11-18
Jul 9
Winter SquashPlanting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (259) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (260) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (261) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (262) May 11-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (263) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (264) May 18-23
Jun 18
Zucchini (Summer Squash)Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (265) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (266) Apr 13-20
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (267) May 11-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (268) May 11-23
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (269) May 18-25
Planting Calendar for Sturbridge, MA (270) May 18-23
Aug 6

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 Sturbridge, MA (2024)

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