When to Plant in Washington, DC

Washington experiences a relatively moderate climate, with a median last spring frost occurring on April 9 and a median first fall frost on October 26. This gives the city approximately 200 frost-free days, which allows for a diverse range of gardening activities and crop cultivation. The extended growing season is beneficial for both amateur and professional gardeners looking to maximize their yield and experiment with various plant species throughout the year.

The humid temperate climate of Washington, characterized by four distinct seasons, allows for the thriving of a variety of crops. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash flourish due to the warm summers and long growing season, while crops like carrots and leafy greens also do well in the cooler months. However, crops such as corn may struggle due to the occasional late spring frost and early fall frost, which can affect their growth cycle, particularly if planted too close to the average frost dates.

What to plant now in Washington

Spring: Start planting cool-season crops like peas and spinach as soon as the ground can be worked in early March. Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers after April 9, when the danger of frost has passed.
Summer: This is the time to focus on maintaining your growing plants. Late June is perfect for planting your successional crops such as bush beans and cucumbers to enjoy throughout the bustling summer months.
Fall: Late summer and early fall are suitable for planting crops like kale and winter radishes that can withstand cooler temperatures, but keep an eye on the calendar as October 26 approaches to prevent frost damage.
Winter: Though it’s cold, you can plan your garden for next year by researching and drawing out designs. Consider indoor herb gardening or starting a winter compost pile to enrich your soil come spring.

In Washington (200 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Washington

Month	What to do
January	January is generally a quiet gardening month in Washington. Use this time to plan your gardens, order seeds, and prepare your tools for the upcoming growing season.
February	As winter begins to fade, start seeds indoors for early garden crops. This is a good time for herbs like basil and parsley, which can be transplanted later.
March	March is when the gardening season begins to awaken. Begin planting cool-season crops as soon as the soil is workable, including peas and spinach, to take advantage of the frost-free period.
April	With the last frost date of April 9, gardeners should complete their planting of cool-season crops and prepare for warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers to be planted after the frost date.
May	In May, finalize your warm-season planting. This is the best time to plant tomatoes, peppers, and squash, ensuring they have enough time to establish before summer heat.
June	June brings warm weather; ensure all plants are well-hydrated. It's also a suitable month for planting additional crops like cucumbers or bush beans for staggered harvest.
July	July is peak summer in Washington, requiring regular watering and maintenance of your plants. You may also consider sowing seeds for fall crops such as kale.
August	As summer ends, August is a great time to evaluate your garden. Prepare for fall by planting additional rounds of crops like turnips and radishes that thrive in cooler weather.
September	In September, begin to harvest late summer crops. Plant more cool-weather crops if conditions allow, as warm days and cool nights are ideal for growth.
October	With the first fall frost occurring on October 26, ensure to harvest any remaining summer crops. Plant cover crops to enrich the soil during the winter months.
November	November signals the end of the growing season. Protect your garden by clearing out debris, mulching, and possibly planting garlic or cover crops for winter.
December	December is a time for rest. Reflect on the past season, plan for next year, and consider winter gardening options like indoor herbs or starting a compost pile.

Frost dates for Washington ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
20002	April 9	October 26	8a
20019	April 9	October 26	8a
20020	April 9	October 26	7b
20001	April 9	October 26	8a
20016	April 9	October 26	7b
20008	April 9	October 26	7b
20024	April 9	October 26	8a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Washington?

The last frost in Washington typically occurs on April 9, making it essential to consider this date when planning your planting schedule.

What vegetables grow best in Washington?

Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash thrive in Washington's climate, benefiting from the warm summers, while crops like corn may face challenges from late spring frosts.

When should I plant tomatoes in Washington?

Tomatoes should be planted after April 9 to avoid frost damage. Starting them indoors in late winter is also beneficial for an earlier harvest.

Can I garden year-round in Washington?

While Washington experiences a distinct winter, gardeners can engage in year-round gardening through indoor herbs or by utilizing cold frames for winter crops.

How does Plan My Garden help Washington gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored planting calendars, helpful tips, and resources, ensuring Washington gardeners can make the best decisions based on local climate and frost dates.