When to Plant in Olympia, WA

In Olympia, gardeners can expect their last spring frost around May 4 and the first fall frost by October 7, allowing for a total of approximately 160 frost-free days each year. This timeframe is crucial for planning your planting schedule, as it significantly affects which crops you can grow successfully. With these frost dates in mind, you can cultivate a wide range of vegetables and flowers that thrive in this unique microclimate. It's essential to understand how to maximize the growing season by planning your sowing and transplanting times accordingly.

The climate in Olympia is classified as marine west coast (mild, wet winters; dry summers), which significantly influences the types of plants that flourish here. Crops like lettuce, salad greens, and peas enjoy the cool, moist environment during spring and fall. Additionally, varieties of kale and coastal herbs like rosemary thrive in this climate. However, heat-loving plants such as tomatoes and peppers may struggle because they require longer, warmer days and nights to fully mature. In contrast, the abundant rainfall and moderate temperatures provide an ideal setting for establishing robust root systems and higher yields in cooler crops.

What to plant now in Olympia

In early spring (late March to early April), plant cool-season crops like peas, spinach, and radishes, which thrive in the cool temperatures before the last frost date of May 4.
As the summer season approaches (mid-May to early June), transplant warm-weather crops such as tomatoes and peppers after the last frost date of May 4, allowing them to establish before the heat of summer settles in.
During late summer (early August), it's a good time to sow another round of leafy greens like spinach and lettuce. These cool-season crops can be harvested before the frost arrives on October 7.
In early fall (mid-September), consider planting hardy vegetables such as kale and collards, which can withstand the cooler temperatures and can be harvested after the first frost on October 7.

In Olympia (156 frost-free days, a moderate season), 32 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 23 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Olympia

Month	What to do
January	January is a time for planning and preparing your garden. Evaluate your garden space, review plant choices, and finalize your planting calendar to ensure a productive growing season ahead.
February	In February, you can start seeds indoors for cool-season crops like broccoli and cabbage. This timing allows transplants to be ready for the garden by the time the last frost arrives.
March	As March progresses, prepare your garden beds for planting. It’s essential to clear debris and consider adding compost to enrich the soil before sowing any early seeds.
April	April is the prime time to sow cool-season crops directly into the soil. Plant peas, radishes, and lettuces as the weather warms, taking advantage of the frost-free conditions after May 4.
May	With May 4 marking the last expected frost, it's safe to transplant warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers. Ensure that seedlings are hardened off before planting them outdoors.
June	In June, continue to manage your garden by providing adequate water and nutrients to your growing plants. It’s also a good time to weed and mulch to retain moisture.
July	July brings warmer temperatures; focus on harvesting early crops like peas and radishes. Start planning for your fall crops and prepare space in your garden for those late summer plantings.
August	August is the ideal time to sow a second round of cool-season crops such as spinach and lettuce. They will thrive in the cooler fall temperatures before the first frost.
September	September signals the beginning of fall planting. Make sure to plant hardy vegetables like kale and collards, which can tolerate the cooler temperatures leading up to the first frost on October 7.
October	As you approach October 12, finalize your fall harvests and prepare for winter. Protect any remaining plants with row covers as temperatures begin to drop.
November	In November, focus on cleaning up your garden. Remove spent plants and debris to prevent disease and pests from overwintering. Consider adding mulch to protect any remaining perennials.
December	December is primarily a time of rest for Olympia gardeners. Reflect on the past growing season and plan for improvements for the upcoming year. Consider indoor gardening or starting a seed list.

Frost dates for Olympia ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
98501	May 4	October 7	8a
98516	April 18	October 30	8b
98505	May 5	October 12	8b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Olympia?

The last frost in Olympia typically occurs around May 4, which is a crucial date for planting warm-weather crops after ensuring frost-free conditions.

What vegetables grow best in Olympia?

Best vegetables for Olympia include cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and kale, as they thrive in the mild, wet winters and can be grown in spring and fall.

When should I plant tomatoes in Olympia?

Tomatoes should be planted after the last frost date of May 4. Transplant seedlings in mid-May for the best chance to grow and produce before the shorter days of fall.

Can I garden year-round in Olympia?

While you can garden year-round in Olympia, it’s best to focus on cool-season crops during fall and winter, as extreme cold may limit growth.

How does Plan My Garden help Olympia gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored resources like planting calendars, frost dates, and crop guides, which assist Olympia gardeners in effectively planning their gardens throughout the growing season.