When To Plant In Zone 7

Knowing when to plant in zone 7 is the key to a thriving garden. This guide gives you the optimal timing for planting vegetables, flowers, and more throughout the year.

Zone 7 is a fantastic place to garden. With a last spring frost around mid-April and a first fall frost in mid-October, you get a long, productive growing season. But to make the most of it, timing is everything. Planting too early can expose seedlings to a surprise cold snap. Planting too late might mean your crops don’t mature before winter. Let’s break down the calendar so you can plant with confidence.

This heading is your master calendar. Below, we’ll get into the specifics for each season and plant type. The dates given are averages; always watch your local weather forecast for the most accurate planning.

Understanding Your Zone 7 Frost Dates

Everything revolves around your frost dates. Mark these on your calendar:

Average Last Spring Frost: April 15
Average First Fall Frost: October 15

These dates can shift by a week or two depending on your exact location. Coastal or urban areas might be warmer, while valleys are often colder. Use these dates as a guide, not a absolute rule.

Spring Planting Schedule

Spring is a busy time! It’s split into “cool-season” and “warm-season” planting.

Early Spring (6-8 Weeks Before Last Frost)

As soon as the soil is workable (not frozen or soggy), you can plant hardy crops. This is often late February to March.

Direct Sow: Peas, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, and parsnips.
Plant as Transplants: Onion sets, garlic cloves (if you didn’t plant in fall), and bare-root perennial flowers.

Mid-Spring (2-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)

This is prime time for many cool-weather lovers. The soil is warming but nights are still chill.

Direct Sow: Lettuce, beets, Swiss chard, turnips, and arugula.
Plant as Transplants: Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings you started indoors.

After Last Frost Danger Has Passed

This is your green light for summer favorites. Wait until at least May 1st to be safe.

Direct Sow: Beans, corn, squash, and cucumbers.
Plant as Transplants: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and basil. Harden them off for a week first!

Summer Planting Schedule

Summer isn’t just for harvesting; it’s for succession planting to ensure a continuous supply.

Early Summer (June)

Replace harvested spring crops with new plantings.

Direct Sow: More beans, carrots, and cucumbers for a late harvest.
Plant sweet potatoes and okra, which love the heat.

Mid to Late Summer (July – August)

This is the most critical planting window for your fall garden. You need to get crops established while it’s warm so they mature in the cool fall weather.

Direct Sow for Fall: Start your fall broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale indoors or buy transplants.
Direct Sow in Garden: Beans, carrots, and fast-maturing summer squash in early July. By late July, focus on beets, turnips, and another round of lettuce.

Fall Planting Schedule

Fall gardening is rewarding and extends your harvest beautifully.

Late Summer to Early Fall (August – September)

Continue planting cool-season crops for fall and winter harvests.

Direct Sow: Spinach, radishes, and more lettuce varieties.
Plant as Transplants: Set out those broccoli, cabbage, and kale seedlings you started in July.

Fall (October – November)

Plant for next spring and protect your current garden.

Plant garlic cloves for harvest next summer.
Sow cover crops like clover or rye in empty beds to improve soil.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Zone 7 Planting Calendar by Vegetable

Here’s a quick-reference chart for popular vegetables. “Transplant” means you start seeds indoors or buy young plants.

Tomatoes: Transplant after May 1.
Peppers: Transplant after May 10 (they like it a bit warmer).
Lettuce: Direct sow in March-April and again in August-September.
Broccoli: Transplant in early April for spring, and again in mid-August for fall.
Carrots: Direct sow in March-April and again in July for fall.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November.
Green Beans: Direct sow after May 1 and every 2-3 weeks for succession.

Flowers, Herbs, and Perennials

Ornamental plants have their own schedules.

Annual Flowers

For flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and petunias, wait until after the last frost to plant transplants. You can sow hardy annuals like larkspur or poppies in fall or very early spring.

Perennials, Trees, and Shrubs

The best times to plant these are fall and early spring. The cool, moist weather helps them establish roots without the stress of summer heat. Avoid planting in the peak of summer unless your prepared to water frequently.

Herbs

Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can be planted in spring or fall. Tender herbs like basil should only go in the ground after all frost danger is past.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Your Exact Planting Day

Check the Calendar: Note the average frost dates for your town.
Check the Soil: Is it workable? Grab a handful. If it’s a soggy ball, wait. If it crumbles, it’s ready.
Check the Forecast: Look at the 10-day outlook. Is a cold snap predicted after your last frost date? Hold off.
Harden Off Transplants: If you’re moving indoor seedlings outside, acclimate them to sun and wind over 7-10 days.
Have Protection Ready: Keep row covers or old sheets handy to throw over tender plants if a late frost surprises you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Early: Patience is hard, but it’s better than losing plants. Warm soil is more important than a warm air day.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: A soil thermometer is a great investment. Tomatoes need soil above 60°F, peppers above 65°F.
Forgetting to Water New Plantings: Spring can be windy and dry. Keep new seeds and transplants consistently moist.
Not Using a Garden Journal: Write down what you planted and when each year. This is your best tool for improving your timing.

FAQ: Your Zone 7 Planting Questions Answered

What can I plant in early spring in zone 7?

You can plant peas, spinach, radishes, kale, and carrots as soon as the soil can be worked in late winter or early spring.

When should I plant tomatoes in zone 7?

The optimal time for planting tomatoes is in early to mid-May, after the threat of frost has completely passed. Make sure to harden off home-started seedlings.

Is it to late to start a garden in July in zone 7?

Not at all! July is perfect for planting fall harvest crops like beans, carrots, cucumbers, and starting seeds for broccoli and kale indoors.

Can I plant perennials in the fall in zone 7?

Yes, fall is an excellent time to plant perennials, trees, and shrubs. The warm soil and cool air encourage good root growth before winter.

When do you plant bulbs in zone 7?

Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus in the fall, ideally between October and November, before the ground freezes.

Gardening in zone 7 offers a long and productive season. By using your frost dates as a guide and paying attention to soil conditions, you can maximize your harvest and enjoy a beautiful garden from early spring straight through to fall. Remember, these dates are a blueprint—your own garden’s microclimate and weather patterns will fine-tune the schedule over time. Keep notes, observe your plants, and you’ll develop a perfect rhythm for when to plant in zone 7.