A common dilemma for those new to gardening is the best time to plant vegetable garden outdoors. The answer is as simple as determining the best time to plant for the climate where you live. Those who want to know a particular date for planting their vegetable garden are out of luck because a specific planting date cannot be provided. The planting date will depend upon the weather.

Keep in mind though that even the best gardener can lose plants due to unexpected frosts and an early winter that they were not expecting. Gardening can be a trial and error project but if done properly it is well worth the effort.

Planting guides for vegetables will state that if you’re growing any spring vegetables, you must plant them during late winter. Summer vegetables must be planted in early spring–after the final frost–while fall vegetables must be planted in mid-to-late summer.

When you are planting many of your spring vegetables you need to be certain that the weather stays mostly around 50 degrees during the evening. When the weather gets warmer at 60 to 70 degrees it is a good time to plant summer vegetables. When looking at labels that state “warm season” and “cool season,” remember this is referring to the temperature outside, not necessarily the time of year. Thus vegetables that may not be suitable for planting one part of the country can flourish in another during certain times of the year.

Some vegetables can withstand growing in near-freezing temperatures, even though it is not suggested. These vegetables include onions, peas, salad greens, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Many first time vegetable gardeners have better success with early spring vegetables.

Vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, melons, and squash, will die quickly if you try to grow them in temperatures that are below 50. The only way you can keep these plants alive outdoors is to protect them with a plant protection device like a cloche or grow them in a hothouse.

Warm season vegetables grow best after the last frost and should be finished growing before your first frost. Learning about the dates of the first and last frost in your area is vital. Instructions and recommended planting zones are usually listed on seed packets that you can buy from any garden center.