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Tacoma, WA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Tacoma usually comes around Mar 21 and the first fall frost around Nov 10, a growing season of about 234 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and plant them outside Apr 4 – Apr 18.

Last spring frostMar 21
First fall frostNov 10
Growing season234 days

When to plant vegetables in Tacoma

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 18—
PeppersJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
EggplantJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Cucumbers—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Green beans—Apr 4 – Apr 18Aug 18 – Sep 1
Sweet corn—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
BasilFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 4 – Apr 18—
LettuceJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 21 – Apr 4Sep 15 – Sep 29
Spinach—Feb 7 – Feb 28Sep 15 – Sep 29
Peas—Feb 7 – Feb 28Sep 1 – Sep 15
Carrots—Feb 21 – Mar 28Aug 18 – Sep 1
Radishes—Feb 14 – Apr 4Sep 29 – Oct 13
BroccoliJan 10 – Jan 24Feb 21 – Mar 7Aug 18 – Sep 1
KaleJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 14 – Feb 28Sep 1 – Sep 15
Onions—Feb 21 – Mar 7—
Potatoes—Feb 28 – Mar 28—
Garlic——Oct 27 – Dec 1

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Tacoma. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Tacoma

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Tacoma?

The median last spring frost is Mar 21 and the median first fall frost is Nov 10, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Tacoma?

Start seeds indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and set plants outside Apr 4 – Apr 18, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Tacoma?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 10): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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