In-depth planting guides, frost date references, and growing tips for US gardeners.
Exact fall plant-by dates for every USDA zone, computed from first-frost data — plus all 28 fall crops in planting order, from cabbage in July to garlic at first frost.
Read guide →What USDA hardiness zones actually measure, how the 2023 map update changed zones for half the US, and the most common mistakes gardeners make when using zone data.
Read guide →The 20 best vegetables and herbs for containers — with exact pot sizes, zone-specific timing, and the four mistakes that kill container gardens before they produce.
Read guide →Exact seed-starting dates for 70+ vegetables, herbs, and flowers — calculated by weeks before your last frost date, with zone-specific timing and a quick-reference chart.
Read guide →The 12 best vegetables for first-time gardeners — chosen for high success rates, fast harvests, and wide zone adaptability. Includes a quick-start setup guide and the 5 mistakes beginners make.
Read guide →The complete companion planting chart — which plants grow best together and which to keep apart, with the science behind every pairing and zone-specific timing notes.
Read guide →Every state's average last spring frost date, USDA hardiness zones, and exact planting windows — with a lookup tool for your ZIP code.
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