| Vegetable |
Start Seeds Indoors (weeks before last spring frost) |
Start Seeds Outdoors (weeks before or after last spring frost) |
Cold Hardiness |
When to Water |
| Beans |
— |
Anytime after |
Tender |
Regularly, from start of pod to set |
| Beets |
— |
3 before to 3 after |
Half-hardy |
Only during drought conditions |
| Broccoli |
6–8 |
2–3 before |
Hardy |
Only during drought conditions |
| Brussels sprouts |
6–8 |
— |
Hardy |
At transplanting |
| Cabbage |
6–8 |
1 before to 1 after |
Hardy |
Two to three weeks before harvest |
| Carrots |
— |
3–5 before |
Half-hardy |
Only during drought conditions |
| Cauliflower |
6–8 |
1 before to 1after |
Half-hardy |
Once, three weeks before harvest |
| Celery |
6–8 |
— |
Tender |
Once a week |
| Corn |
— |
2 after |
Tender |
When tassels appear and cobs start to swell |
| Cucumbers |
2–4 |
1–2 after |
Very tender |
Frequently, especially when fruits form |
| Lettuce |
4–6 |
1 before to 2 after |
Half-hardy |
Once a week |
| Melons |
2–4 |
2 after |
Very tender |
Once a week |
| Onion sets |
— |
4 before |
Hardy |
Only during drought conditions |
| Parsnips |
— |
0–3 before |
Hardy |
Only during drought conditions |
| Peas |
— |
4–6 before |
Hardy |
Regularly, from start of pod to set |
| Peppers |
8–10 |
— |
Very tender |
Once a week |
| Potato tubers |
— |
0–2 after |
Half-hardy |
Regularly, when tubers start to form |
| Pumpkins |
2–4 |
1 after |
Tender |
Only during drought conditions |
| Radishes |
— |
1 before to 1 after |
Hardy |
Once a week |
| Spinach |
— |
4–6 before |
Hardy |
Once a week |
| Squash, summer |
2–4 |
1 after |
Very tender |
Only during drought conditions |
| Squash, winter |
2–4 |
1 after |
Tender |
Only during drought conditions |
| Tomatoes |
6–8 |
— |
Tender |
Twice a week |