flats of sprouting seeds
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Find out the best dates for starting and setting out your seedlings.

First Planting Dates


In Tompkins County, the last average frost date is May 14, and the first average fall frost is October 1.  The chart below shows dates various popular garden vegetables can be planted as seeds, sets or transplants. 

PRINT a 2-page PDF (31 kb) that lists the 1st & last seeding dates for Tompkins County!

First Seeding & Transplanting Dates for Vegetables in NY

*  Indicates variety is transplanted
(x) Indicates variety may be transplanted or
  seeded. If transplanted probably should be later than date given.
(t) Indicates variety may be transplants, sets or seed.

As early as garden may be worked in spring or about   April 15.

After the date of the last average frost in  Ithaca  area (May 14).

After the soil has become warm in spring-June 1.

   Beets
   Broccoli (x)
   Brussels Sprouts (x)
   Cabbage (x)
   Carrots
   Cauliflower (x)
   Celery (x)
   Endive
   Kale
   Kohlrabi
   Leeks
   Lettuce
   Mustard
   Onions (t)
   Parsley
   Peas
   Radish
   Swiss Chard
   Spinach
   Turnips
   Rutabagas

   Beans
   Eggplant*
   Pepper*
   Popcorn
   Potatoes
   Sweet Corn
   Tomatoes*

   Basil
   Cucumber
   Muskmelon*
   Okra*
   Pumpkins*
   Squashes, Summer
   Squashes, Winter*
   Watermelon*

See what is suggested to plant from June 10 - Sept. 10.

Last updated April 22, 2023