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Seasonal
What to do for houseplants, lawns and vegetable gardens month by month, with the reason for each task and the extension service it comes from.
Outdoor timing depends on where you live, so every outdoor task says which US hardiness zones it was written for.
Pick your zone and last-frost date to get your own task list and seed-starting dates.
How to read this calendar
Open a month to see its tasks. The current month opens by itself.
Many houseplants rest during the short days of winter, so Iowa State advises reduced fertilization then.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State advises avoiding temperatures below 55°F; even brief freezing exposure can brown or drop leaves.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
The low winter sun and short days cut indoor light; Iowa State suggests brighter spots or supplemental light.
Read the guide Sources: [2] [1]
Heated homes can drop to about 10% relative humidity in winter, far below what tropical foliage plants prefer.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Houseplants grow less in winter and use less water, so Iowa State waters only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Read the guide Sources: [2]
UF/IFAS switches Florida beds to winter annuals such as petunias, pansies and snapdragons from November on.
NC State’s calendar says not to fertilize bermudagrass from December through February while it is dormant.
Read the guide Sources: [5]
When: a freeze is forecast
UF/IFAS waters before a freeze and uses covers reaching the ground to trap the soil’s radiant heat.
Sources: [6]
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
UF/IFAS gives Jan–Feb and Aug–Sept planting for tomatoes and peppers in central Florida, avoiding midsummer heat.
Sources: [7]
Texas A&M AgriLife plants broccoli Sept–Dec and leaf lettuce and collards from mid-Sept into Feb in the Valley.
Sources: [8]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
When: your average last-frost date is 4–6 weeks away
Basil is frost-tender: it goes out 2 weeks after the last frost after 6–8 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Broccoli is frost-hardy and goes out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, so it is sown early.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 8–10 weeks away
Cabbage tolerates frost and is set out about 4 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Cauliflower goes out around 2 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors (Purdue allows 10).
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 1–4 weeks away
Cucumbers grow fast (3–4 weeks indoors) and are set out 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 5–8 weeks away
Eggplant needs 8–10 weeks indoors and should not go out until 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 7–10 weeks away
Lettuce transplants tolerate cool weather and go out 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 12–14 weeks away
Onions from seed need 8–10 weeks indoors and go out about 4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [11]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Peppers grow slowly as seedlings (8–10 weeks indoors) and go out about 2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10] [12]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Extension guides start tomatoes about 6–8 weeks before the last frost so transplants are sturdy, not overgrown, at planting.
Read the guide Sources: [10] [12] [9]
Many houseplants rest during the short days of winter, so Iowa State advises reduced fertilization then.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State advises avoiding temperatures below 55°F; even brief freezing exposure can brown or drop leaves.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
The low winter sun and short days cut indoor light; Iowa State suggests brighter spots or supplemental light.
Read the guide Sources: [2] [1]
Heated homes can drop to about 10% relative humidity in winter, far below what tropical foliage plants prefer.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State notes most gardeners have the best success repotting in late winter or early spring.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Houseplants grow less in winter and use less water, so Iowa State waters only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Read the guide Sources: [2]
UF/IFAS’s central Florida calendar feeds citrus in February and again in September or October.
Read the guide Sources: [4] [13]
UF/IFAS switches Florida beds to winter annuals such as petunias, pansies and snapdragons from November on.
NC State’s calendar says not to fertilize bermudagrass from December through February while it is dormant.
Read the guide Sources: [5]
When: a freeze is forecast
UF/IFAS waters before a freeze and uses covers reaching the ground to trap the soil’s radiant heat.
Sources: [6]
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
UF/IFAS gives Feb–Jun for sweet potatoes in central Florida; they need warm soil and a long season.
Read the guide Sources: [7]
UF/IFAS gives Jan–Feb and Aug–Sept planting for tomatoes and peppers in central Florida, avoiding midsummer heat.
Sources: [7]
When: the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work
UNH sows peas as soon as the soil thaws; CSU puts it 2–4 weeks before the average last frost.
Texas A&M AgriLife sets tomatoes out mid-Feb to early March and mid-Sept to mid-Oct in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sources: [15]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
When: your average last-frost date is 4–6 weeks away
Basil is frost-tender: it goes out 2 weeks after the last frost after 6–8 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Broccoli is frost-hardy and goes out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, so it is sown early.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 8–10 weeks away
Cabbage tolerates frost and is set out about 4 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Cauliflower goes out around 2 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors (Purdue allows 10).
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 1–4 weeks away
Cucumbers grow fast (3–4 weeks indoors) and are set out 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 5–8 weeks away
Eggplant needs 8–10 weeks indoors and should not go out until 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 7–10 weeks away
Lettuce transplants tolerate cool weather and go out 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 12–14 weeks away
Onions from seed need 8–10 weeks indoors and go out about 4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [11]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Peppers grow slowly as seedlings (8–10 weeks indoors) and go out about 2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10] [12]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Extension guides start tomatoes about 6–8 weeks before the last frost so transplants are sturdy, not overgrown, at planting.
Read the guide Sources: [10] [12] [9]
Iowa State cuts kept poinsettias back in March so they regrow bushy before summer.
Sources: [16]
Iowa State notes most gardeners have the best success repotting in late winter or early spring.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State fertilizes houseplants once or twice a month starting in March or April, when growth picks up.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
UF/IFAS fertilizes landscape palms three times a year from spring through fall, about every three months.
Read the guide Sources: [17] [18]
When: rose buds begin to break in spring
Iowa State prunes roses as buds break, typically late March to mid-April, when winter dieback is easy to see.
Sources: [19]
When: a freeze is forecast
UF/IFAS waters before a freeze and uses covers reaching the ground to trap the soil’s radiant heat.
Sources: [6]
UF/IFAS gives Feb–Jun for sweet potatoes in central Florida; they need warm soil and a long season.
Read the guide Sources: [7]
When: the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work
UNH sows peas as soon as the soil thaws; CSU puts it 2–4 weeks before the average last frost.
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Broccoli and cabbage are hardy and do best maturing in cool weather, so they go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Lettuce and onion transplants are hardy and go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, ahead of summer heat.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: it is at least 2 weeks past your last frost and nights stay above 60°F
Peppers and eggplant stall in cool soil; sources set them out 2–3 weeks after the last frost, nights above 60°F.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: frost danger has passed and night temperatures stay above 50°F
Tomatoes are frost-tender and grow best once nights stay above 50°F, 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
Texas A&M AgriLife sets tomatoes out mid-Feb to early March and mid-Sept to mid-Oct in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sources: [15]
When: your average last-frost date is 4–6 weeks away
Basil is frost-tender: it goes out 2 weeks after the last frost after 6–8 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Broccoli is frost-hardy and goes out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, so it is sown early.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 8–10 weeks away
Cabbage tolerates frost and is set out about 4 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Cauliflower goes out around 2 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors (Purdue allows 10).
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 1–4 weeks away
Cucumbers grow fast (3–4 weeks indoors) and are set out 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 5–8 weeks away
Eggplant needs 8–10 weeks indoors and should not go out until 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 7–10 weeks away
Lettuce transplants tolerate cool weather and go out 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 12–14 weeks away
Onions from seed need 8–10 weeks indoors and go out about 4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [11]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Peppers grow slowly as seedlings (8–10 weeks indoors) and go out about 2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10] [12]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Extension guides start tomatoes about 6–8 weeks before the last frost so transplants are sturdy, not overgrown, at planting.
Read the guide Sources: [10] [12] [9]
Iowa State fertilizes houseplants once or twice a month starting in March or April, when growth picks up.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
NC State fertilizes bermudagrass several weeks after full green-up, typically early April to May.
Read the guide Sources: [5] [21]
When: rose buds begin to break in spring
Iowa State prunes roses as buds break, typically late March to mid-April, when winter dieback is easy to see.
Sources: [19]
UF/IFAS gives Feb–Jun for sweet potatoes in central Florida; they need warm soil and a long season.
Read the guide Sources: [7]
When: frost danger has passed and the soil is at least 60°F
Beans are frost-tender and need soil of at least 60°F to germinate; sowing into cold soil invites rot.
When: the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work
UNH sows peas as soon as the soil thaws; CSU puts it 2–4 weeks before the average last frost.
When: frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to 70°F
UNH direct-sows cucumbers and summer squash once soil warms to 70°F; UMD gives a 60°F germination minimum.
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Broccoli and cabbage are hardy and do best maturing in cool weather, so they go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Lettuce and onion transplants are hardy and go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, ahead of summer heat.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: it is at least 2 weeks past your last frost and nights stay above 60°F
Peppers and eggplant stall in cool soil; sources set them out 2–3 weeks after the last frost, nights above 60°F.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: frost danger has passed and night temperatures stay above 50°F
Tomatoes are frost-tender and grow best once nights stay above 50°F, 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: your average last-frost date is 4–6 weeks away
Basil is frost-tender: it goes out 2 weeks after the last frost after 6–8 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Broccoli is frost-hardy and goes out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, so it is sown early.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 8–10 weeks away
Cabbage tolerates frost and is set out about 4 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Cauliflower goes out around 2 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors (Purdue allows 10).
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 1–4 weeks away
Cucumbers grow fast (3–4 weeks indoors) and are set out 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 5–8 weeks away
Eggplant needs 8–10 weeks indoors and should not go out until 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 7–10 weeks away
Lettuce transplants tolerate cool weather and go out 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 12–14 weeks away
Onions from seed need 8–10 weeks indoors and go out about 4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [11]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Peppers grow slowly as seedlings (8–10 weeks indoors) and go out about 2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10] [12]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Extension guides start tomatoes about 6–8 weeks before the last frost so transplants are sturdy, not overgrown, at planting.
Read the guide Sources: [10] [12] [9]
When: night temperatures stay consistently and reliably above 50°F
Iowa State waits for nights reliably above 50°F, then acclimates plants in full shade to avoid sunscald.
Read the guide Sources: [23]
NC State fertilizes bermudagrass several weeks after full green-up, typically early April to May.
Read the guide Sources: [5] [21]
UF/IFAS gives Feb–Jun for sweet potatoes in central Florida; they need warm soil and a long season.
Read the guide Sources: [7]
When: frost danger has passed and the soil is at least 60°F
Beans are frost-tender and need soil of at least 60°F to germinate; sowing into cold soil invites rot.
When: frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to 70°F
UNH direct-sows cucumbers and summer squash once soil warms to 70°F; UMD gives a 60°F germination minimum.
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Broccoli and cabbage are hardy and do best maturing in cool weather, so they go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Lettuce and onion transplants are hardy and go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, ahead of summer heat.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: it is at least 2 weeks past your last frost and nights stay above 60°F
Peppers and eggplant stall in cool soil; sources set them out 2–3 weeks after the last frost, nights above 60°F.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: frost danger has passed and night temperatures stay above 50°F
Tomatoes are frost-tender and grow best once nights stay above 50°F, 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: your average last-frost date is 4–6 weeks away
Basil is frost-tender: it goes out 2 weeks after the last frost after 6–8 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Broccoli is frost-hardy and goes out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, so it is sown early.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 8–10 weeks away
Cabbage tolerates frost and is set out about 4 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–10 weeks away
Cauliflower goes out around 2 weeks before the last frost after 4–6 weeks indoors (Purdue allows 10).
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 1–4 weeks away
Cucumbers grow fast (3–4 weeks indoors) and are set out 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 5–8 weeks away
Eggplant needs 8–10 weeks indoors and should not go out until 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 7–10 weeks away
Lettuce transplants tolerate cool weather and go out 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10]
When: your average last-frost date is 12–14 weeks away
Onions from seed need 8–10 weeks indoors and go out about 4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [11]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Peppers grow slowly as seedlings (8–10 weeks indoors) and go out about 2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [10] [12]
When: your average last-frost date is 6–8 weeks away
Extension guides start tomatoes about 6–8 weeks before the last frost so transplants are sturdy, not overgrown, at planting.
Read the guide Sources: [10] [12] [9]
When: night temperatures stay consistently and reliably above 50°F
Iowa State waits for nights reliably above 50°F, then acclimates plants in full shade to avoid sunscald.
Read the guide Sources: [23]
UF/IFAS fertilizes landscape palms three times a year from spring through fall, about every three months.
Read the guide Sources: [17] [18]
UF/IFAS gives Feb–Jun for sweet potatoes in central Florida; they need warm soil and a long season.
Read the guide Sources: [7]
When: frost danger has passed and the soil is at least 60°F
Beans are frost-tender and need soil of at least 60°F to germinate; sowing into cold soil invites rot.
When: frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to 70°F
UNH direct-sows cucumbers and summer squash once soil warms to 70°F; UMD gives a 60°F germination minimum.
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Broccoli and cabbage are hardy and do best maturing in cool weather, so they go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: the soil can be worked and your last frost is 2–4 weeks away
Lettuce and onion transplants are hardy and go out 2–4 weeks before the last frost, ahead of summer heat.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [14]
When: it is at least 2 weeks past your last frost and nights stay above 60°F
Peppers and eggplant stall in cool soil; sources set them out 2–3 weeks after the last frost, nights above 60°F.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
When: frost danger has passed and night temperatures stay above 50°F
Tomatoes are frost-tender and grow best once nights stay above 50°F, 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
Read the guide Sources: [9] [20] [14]
No dated tasks for July in this calendar yet. Everyday care still applies: check whether a plant needs water, and if something looks wrong, try the plant problem checker.
UMD, Penn State and Virginia Tech name late summer to mid-autumn (mid-Aug to mid-Oct) as the best time to seed.
Read the guide Sources: [24] [25]
Iowa State stops rose fertilizer at the end of July; later feeding makes soft growth that doesn’t harden before winter.
Read the guide Sources: [26]
UF/IFAS gives Jan–Feb and Aug–Sept planting for tomatoes and peppers in central Florida, avoiding midsummer heat.
Sources: [7]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
When: night temperatures start to dip consistently to around 50°F
Iowa State brings plants in when nights dip to about 50°F and checks for insects first so pests don’t come inside.
Read the guide Sources: [27] [23]
Holiday cacti set buds after 14–16 hours of darkness or cool nights; above 70°F they won’t bloom.
To rebloom, Iowa State gives amaryllis 8–10 weeks of dormancy at 50–55°F, starting in late September.
Sources: [31]
UF/IFAS’s central Florida calendar feeds citrus in February and again in September or October.
Read the guide Sources: [4] [13]
Wisconsin Extension calls early September the most important time to fertilize cool-season lawns.
Read the guide Sources: [32]
UMD calls late summer into early autumn the prime season for fertilizing established tall fescue.
Read the guide Sources: [24] [25]
UF/IFAS fertilizes landscape palms three times a year from spring through fall, about every three months.
Read the guide Sources: [17] [18]
UMD, Penn State and Virginia Tech name late summer to mid-autumn (mid-Aug to mid-Oct) as the best time to seed.
Read the guide Sources: [24] [25]
Iowa State stops rose fertilizer at the end of July; later feeding makes soft growth that doesn’t harden before winter.
Read the guide Sources: [26]
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
UF/IFAS gives Jan–Feb and Aug–Sept planting for tomatoes and peppers in central Florida, avoiding midsummer heat.
Sources: [7]
Texas A&M AgriLife plants broccoli Sept–Dec and leaf lettuce and collards from mid-Sept into Feb in the Valley.
Sources: [8]
Texas A&M AgriLife sets tomatoes out mid-Feb to early March and mid-Sept to mid-Oct in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sources: [15]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
When: night temperatures start to dip consistently to around 50°F
Iowa State brings plants in when nights dip to about 50°F and checks for insects first so pests don’t come inside.
Read the guide Sources: [27] [23]
Holiday cacti set buds after 14–16 hours of darkness or cool nights; above 70°F they won’t bloom.
Iowa State gives poinsettias complete darkness from early October until the bracts color, usually early December.
Sources: [16]
UF/IFAS’s central Florida calendar feeds citrus in February and again in September or October.
Read the guide Sources: [4] [13]
UMD calls late summer into early autumn the prime season for fertilizing established tall fescue.
Read the guide Sources: [24] [25]
Iowa State calls October the ideal month to plant spring-flowering bulbs, with planting possible into late November.
Sources: [33]
UMD, Penn State and Virginia Tech name late summer to mid-autumn (mid-Aug to mid-Oct) as the best time to seed.
Read the guide Sources: [24] [25]
Evergreens lose water all winter; watering dry soil in fall until freeze-up reduces winter desiccation injury.
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
Texas A&M AgriLife plants broccoli Sept–Dec and leaf lettuce and collards from mid-Sept into Feb in the Valley.
Sources: [8]
Texas A&M AgriLife sets tomatoes out mid-Feb to early March and mid-Sept to mid-Oct in the Rio Grande Valley.
Sources: [15]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
Iowa State advises avoiding temperatures below 55°F; even brief freezing exposure can brown or drop leaves.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State gives poinsettias complete darkness from early October until the bracts color, usually early December.
Sources: [16]
The low winter sun and short days cut indoor light; Iowa State suggests brighter spots or supplemental light.
Read the guide Sources: [2] [1]
Iowa State pots amaryllis in early to mid-November for bloom during the Christmas holidays.
Sources: [31]
Houseplants grow less in winter and use less water, so Iowa State waters only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Read the guide Sources: [2]
UF/IFAS switches Florida beds to winter annuals such as petunias, pansies and snapdragons from November on.
Iowa State protects hybrid tea and other tender roses in mid-November by covering the bottom 10–12 inches of canes.
Read the guide Sources: [36]
When: the ground has frozen
Mulch applied after the ground freezes keeps soil frozen and limits heaving of shallow-rooted perennials.
Iowa State calls October the ideal month to plant spring-flowering bulbs, with planting possible into late November.
Sources: [33]
Evergreens lose water all winter; watering dry soil in fall until freeze-up reduces winter desiccation injury.
When: a freeze is forecast
UF/IFAS waters before a freeze and uses covers reaching the ground to trap the soil’s radiant heat.
Sources: [6]
Iowa State wraps young trees in late fall against rabbit damage and sunscald, then removes it in spring.
Sources: [37]
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
Texas A&M AgriLife plants broccoli Sept–Dec and leaf lettuce and collards from mid-Sept into Feb in the Valley.
Sources: [8]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
Many houseplants rest during the short days of winter, so Iowa State advises reduced fertilization then.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Iowa State advises avoiding temperatures below 55°F; even brief freezing exposure can brown or drop leaves.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
The low winter sun and short days cut indoor light; Iowa State suggests brighter spots or supplemental light.
Read the guide Sources: [2] [1]
Heated homes can drop to about 10% relative humidity in winter, far below what tropical foliage plants prefer.
Read the guide Sources: [1]
Houseplants grow less in winter and use less water, so Iowa State waters only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Read the guide Sources: [2]
UF/IFAS switches Florida beds to winter annuals such as petunias, pansies and snapdragons from November on.
When: the ground has frozen
Mulch applied after the ground freezes keeps soil frozen and limits heaving of shallow-rooted perennials.
NC State’s calendar says not to fertilize bermudagrass from December through February while it is dormant.
Read the guide Sources: [5]
When: a freeze is forecast
UF/IFAS waters before a freeze and uses covers reaching the ground to trap the soil’s radiant heat.
Sources: [6]
UF/IFAS lists Sept–Feb for broccoli, lettuce and collards in central Florida, where cool-season crops grow through winter.
Sources: [7]
Texas A&M AgriLife plants broccoli Sept–Dec and leaf lettuce and collards from mid-Sept into Feb in the Valley.
Sources: [8]
UF/IFAS lists Aug–Feb for tomatoes and peppers and Oct–Jan for broccoli south of State Road 70, the dry season.
Sources: [7]
Seed starting and planting out follow your average last frost date, which your local extension office can give you.
| Task | When | Written for | Read the guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sow onion seeds indoors under lights | 12–14 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow broccoli seeds indoors under lights | 6–10 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow cabbage seeds indoors under lights | 8–10 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow cauliflower seeds indoors under lights | 6–10 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow head lettuce seeds indoors under lights | 7–10 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow tomato seeds indoors under lights | 6–8 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow pepper seeds indoors under lights | 6–8 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow eggplant seeds indoors under lights | 5–8 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow basil seeds indoors under lights | 4–6 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Sow cucumber seeds indoors under lights | 1–4 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Harden off and set out broccoli and cabbage transplants | 2–4 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Harden off and set out lettuce and onion transplants | 2–4 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Direct-sow peas outdoors | 2–4 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | |
| Direct-sow spinach outdoors | 2–4 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | |
| Direct-sow carrots outdoors | Up to 2 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | |
| Plant seed potatoes outdoors | 1–2 weeks before | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Harden off and set out tomato transplants | 1–2 weeks after | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
| Harden off and set out pepper and eggplant transplants | 2–3 weeks after | US zones 3a–9b | Read the guide |
