When to Plant in Kent, WA

Kent, Washington, is characterized by a growing season that spans approximately 198 frost-free days, with the median last spring frost arriving around April 10 and the first fall frost typically occurring by October 25. This climate allows for a diverse range of crops to thrive during the warm months, benefiting from the mild and stable conditions that follow frost-free dates. Gardeners can take advantage of the length of the growing season by planning their plantings strategically, ensuring that both cool-season and warm-season crops are accommodated.

The marine west coast climate of Kent, marked by mild, wet winters and dry summers, allows for certain crops to flourish while presenting challenges to others. Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and kale thrive due to their ability to grow well in cooler temperatures with abundant moisture. Conversely, crops like peppers and eggplants may struggle, as they require sustained warmth to develop fully and can be hindered by the late arrival of warm weather in spring.

What to plant now in Kent

Spring: Now is the ideal time to plant cool-season crops like peas and radishes after April 10. As the frost risk diminishes, transition to warmer crops like tomatoes and peppers in late May.
Summer: During this season, focus on succession planting of beans and summer squash. These crops thrive in the warm months and should be sown in early June for optimal yields.
Fall: As summer ends and cooler temperatures approach, plant fall crops like garlic and cover crops by mid-September, before the frost likely arrives by October 25.
Winter: Winters can be tough, but consider starting hardy crops like onions or planning your spring garden during this time. Prepare your soil and plan your garden layout for the upcoming planting season.

In Kent (198 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 Kent

Month	What to do
January	In January, prepare for the upcoming planting season by reviewing your garden layout. Consider ordering seeds for cool-season crops, which will thrive after the frosts have passed.
February	February is a great month for starting seeds indoors, particularly for crops like tomatoes and peppers, which will be transplanted outdoors after the last frost on April 10.
March	March marks the beginning of the planting season as temperatures rise. Start sowing cool-season crops like peas and lettuce outdoors in early March, as they can tolerate light frosts.
April	With the median last spring frost on April 10, complete your outdoor planting of cool-season crops before this date. Afterward, begin transplanting warm-season crops like tomatoes.
May	By May, the danger of frost is passed. Plant warm-season vegetables like peppers and squash to take advantage of the warm growing conditions of late spring.
June	In June, maintain garden health by watering regularly and weeding. Continue to sow additional crops like beans and summer squash for harvest later in the summer.
July	July is prime time for harvesting summer crops. Keep up with watering, and consider planting fall crops like Brussels sprouts towards the end of the month, as days begin to shorten.
August	As summer wanes, finish harvesting summer crops. Late August is a good time to sow cover crops and prepare the soil for fall planting to enrich the soil.
September	By September, prepare for fall planting as temperatures begin to cool. Start planting garlic and cover crops early in the month, before the arrival of the first fall frost around October 25.
October	In October, complete your fall harvest before the first frost date of October 25. Consider mulching any remaining crops to protect them from early frosts.
November	In November, clean up your garden and prepare it for winter. Remove dead plants and debris to prevent pests, and consider starting a compost pile for future use.
December	December is a time for reflection and planning. Review your successes and failures from the past year and start ordering seeds for the next growing season.

Frost dates for Kent ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
98042	April 10	October 25	8b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Kent?

The last frost in Kent typically occurs around April 10, allowing gardeners to prepare for the planting of cool-season crops before this date.

What vegetables grow best in Kent?

Cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, kale, and spinach flourish in Kent due to the mild and moist conditions, while peppers and eggplants might struggle.

When should I plant tomatoes in Kent?

Tomatoes should be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date of April 10, ideally in late May when the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Can I garden year-round in Kent?

While gardening year-round can be challenging due to frost, you can grow certain crops in winter months like onions, and plan for the next planting season.

How does Plan My Garden help Kent gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored gardening advice, schedules planting calendars based on local frost dates, and helps local gardeners optimize their planting strategies.