The ultimate guide to when to plant vegetables and why

Planting vegetables at the right time is crucial for a successful harvest. Knowing the best times to plant will ensure that your plants have optimal growing conditions, leading to healthy and productive growth. Understanding the climate, soil conditions, and individual growing requirements of each vegetable will help you make informed decisions on when to plant and how to care for your plants.

By planting at the right time, you can also extend your growing season, allowing you to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce for longer. In addition, planting at the right time can help prevent problems such as disease and insect infestations, which can greatly affect the health and yield of your plants. With the right information and a little planning, you can have a productive and successful vegetable garden.

Best planted in late spring (May to June) to early summer (June to July), after the last frost date. They need warm soil and sunny conditions to grow. Harvest when the tomatoes are fully ripe and have reached their desired size, usually in late summer (August to September) or early fall.

Onions are a versatile and widely used vegetable that can be grown in various regions. They are typically planted in early spring (March to April) or late summer (August to September) and prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Onions form bulbs underground, and their green tops, known as scallions or green onions, can be harvested at any stage of growth. For mature onions, they are ready to be harvested when the tops start to yellow and fall over. This usually occurs in late summer (August to September) or early fall. Once harvested, onions should be cured by drying them in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area to promote storage and improve their flavor. Onions are a staple ingredient in numerous cuisines and add flavor and depth to a wide range of dishes, making them an essential vegetable for both culinary enthusiasts and professional chefs.

Also best planted in late spring (May to June) to early summer (June to July), after the last frost date. Peppers also need warm soil and full sun. Harvest when the peppers have turned their mature color and have reached the desired size, usually in late summer (August to September) or early fall.

Summer squash, such as zucchini, are best planted in late spring (May to June) to early summer (June to July). Winter squash, such as pumpkin, can be planted in late summer (July to August) for a fall harvest. Harvest summer squash when they are still young and tender, usually in mid to late summer (July to August). Harvest winter squash when the skin has hardened and can't be easily punctured with a fingernail, usually in late fall (September to October).

Carrots can be planted in early spring (March to April) or late summer (August to September), when the soil is cool. They grow best in well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest carrots when they have reached the desired size and color, usually around 60 to 80 days after planting, depending on the variety. For spring-planted carrots, harvest in late spring to early summer (May to June), and for late summer-planted carrots, harvest in late fall (October to November) or early winter.

Broccoli is a cool-season crop and can be planted in early spring (March to April) or late summer (August to September). It grows best in moderate temperatures and partial shade. Harvest broccoli when the heads are firm and compact, but before the yellow flowers open. This is usually around 60 to 80 days after planting. For spring-planted broccoli, harvest in late spring to early summer (May to June), and for late summer-planted broccoli, harvest in late fall (October to November) or early winter.

Cucumbers are a warm-season crop and can be planted in late spring (May to June), after the last frost date. They need full sun and well-drained soil to grow. Harvest cucumbers when they have reached the desired size and are still firm and green. This is usually around 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest throughout the summer (June to August) until the vines start to decline.

Lettuce can be planted in early spring (March to April) or fall (September to October), when the soil is cool. It grows best in moderate temperatures and partial shade. Harvest lettuce when the leaves are large enough to use, but before they become bitter or start to bolt. This is usually around 30 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. For spring-planted lettuce, harvest in late spring to early summer (May to June), and for fall-planted lettuce, harvest in late fall (October to November) or early winter.

Beans are a warm-season crop and can be planted in late spring (May to June), after the last frost date. They need full sun and well-drained soil to grow. Harvest green beans when the pods are young, tender, and before the seeds inside have fully developed. This is usually around 50 to 60 days after planting. Harvest throughout the summer (July to August) until the plants stop producing.

Radishes are a cool-season crop and can be planted in early spring (March to April) or late summer (August to September). They grow best in cool soil and full sun. Harvest radishes when the roots have reached the desired size and are firm and crisp. This is usually around 20 to 30 days after planting. For spring-planted radishes, harvest in late spring to early summer (May to June), and for late summer-planted radishes, harvest in late summer (September to October) or early fall.

Beets can be planted in early spring (March to April) or late summer (August to September), when the soil is cool. They grow best in well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest beets when the roots have reached the desired size and are firm and tender. This is usually around 50 to 70 days after planting. For spring-planted beets, harvest in late spring to early summer (May to June), and for late summer-planted beets, harvest in late fall (October to November) or early winter.