Farmers’ Almanac Planting Calendar
Gardening by the Moon (according to the phases of the Moon) is an ancient concept and a fundamental part of the Farmers’ Almanac philosophy. Our print editions always include a Planting Calendar that uses phases and position of the Moon to predict the best times to perform specific gardening tasks. FA readers have long sworn by this method of managing their gardens and crops. Get All-Access to see the next 12 months and receive a copy of the Almanac shipped free!
Farmers’ Almanac Planting Calendar
The dates listed below are consistent across all growing zones. Please consider your regional weather and climate before following our suggestions. We recommend that you talk with your local greenhouse or agricultural extension office to discover optimal windows of time within which you may use the dates below. Be sure to check out your frost dates and learn more about your plant hardiness zone. (It may have changed a bit when the zones were updated in 2024.)
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11th – 12th
Fine for planting beans, peppers, cucumbers, melons, and other aboveground crops where climate is suitable.
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13th – 14th
Seeds planted now tend to rot in ground.
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15th – 16th
Start seedbeds and flower gardens. Good days for transplanting. Most favorable days for planting beets, onions, turnips, and other root crops where climate allows.
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17th – 21st
A barren period. Favorable for killing plant pests, cultivating, or taking a short vacation.
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22nd – 24th
Plant flowers. Fine for sowing hay, fodder crops, and grains. Favorable days for planting root crops.
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25th – 26th
Start seedbeds. Good days for transplanting. Plant carrots, beets, onions, turnips, Irish potatoes, and other root crops in the South.
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27th – 28th
Do no planting. Good harvest days.
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29th – 31st
First day is when any root crops that can be planted now will do well. Last two days are when to plant sweet corn, beans, peppers, and other aboveground crops where climate is suitable.
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1st – 2nd
A good time to kill plant pests or do plowing. Poor for planting.
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3rd – 4th
Extra good for peppers, tomatoes, peas and other vine crops. Fine for planting any aboveground crop where the climate permits.
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5th – 6th
Barren days, do no planting.
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7th – 8th
Fine for planting beans, peppers, cucumbers, melons, and other aboveground crops where climate is suitable.
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9th – 10th
Poor days for planting, seeds tend to rot in ground.
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11th – 13th
Plant seedbeds and flower gardens. First two days are best planting days for aboveground crops, especially peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash where climate is suitable. Last day is a good day for transplanting. Last day is also a most fruitful time for planting beets, carrots, onions, and other hardy root crops in the Deep South.
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Farmers’ Almanac Gardening Terms Explained
Above ground crops: Crops that produce their yield above the soil (corn, peppers, squash, etc.)
Root Crops: Crops that produce their yield below the soil (potatoes, radishes, carrots, etc.)
Seedbeds: A bed of soil cultivated for planting seeds or seedlings before being transplanted.
Seedlings: Young plants—especially ones that grow from seeds (rather than from a cutting).
Transplanting: To uproot and replant a growing plant or an already well-established plant. (Transplanting suggestions are true for houseplants as well.)
The terms “Favorable,” “Good,” and “Best” are all considered beneficial days for planting. “Favorable” and “Good” mean the same thing. However, “Best” is considered the optimal day for planting seeds.
Any questions? Leave a comment below!
But how could a chunk of rock more than 200,000 miles away affect how plants on Earth grow?
Those who swear by this ancient growing method say the water in both the ground and in plants are affected by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, just like ocean tides are. Just as the tides are highest during the new and full phases of the Moon, this theory holds, seeds, too, will absorb the most water during these times. Learn how Gardening by the Moon works.
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Tell us more about your experience in the comments below.
I’ve had fruit rot on all doughnut peaches and apples. The trees are no where near each other. I’ve used copper based spray to no avail. How do i prepare these trees for next year?
How about the best dates for propagation (i.e. herb cuttings like sage and dill) or dates for pruning/propagating apples, roses, or pecans?
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/seed-starting
I need clarification. It is nov 16 and we are in waning moon phase. This is the time to plant root crops but it says that anything i plant today will rot according to your planting guide? Can you please clarify what I am missing please?
Hello! Just looking for some clarification. Currently I plant seeds directly in the garden when it says ‘plant’. If I start my seeds inside I use ‘seed beds’. When those are ready I use the ‘transplant’ days. Is this correct? Or can I also ‘plant’ out my starter plants on the appropriate vining/above ground days etc. Or should I be using seed beds for outside as well? My way is working well so far, but if things could be better or more optimal I’d like to know. Many thanks!
Would garlic be considered a root crop?
Yes. “Root crop” is considering anything that grows under the soil
Is the “fruit” (the most commonly used part of the plant) above ground or below? I’ve always planted when it’s waining away with great results. If you’re only after the “chives” give it a try under waxing greater. Good question and it would make a great experiment! Good luck!
Hi Dave – if you could email [email protected] I’d be happy to assist you, it sounds like you may be referring to a different almanac.
Hello, I live in Paraguay, South America and i was wondering if i can still follow the dates that are given for when to plant and when not when the moon phases are different here
Hi the moon phases are the same for all of us on earth. The only difference is the orientation of the moon in the sky. hope that helps
Seasons are opposites. Plant accordingly.
I am new to gardening by the moon phases. I am wondering which kind of day is good/best to deadhead, prune, fertilize, and other tasks like these.
I’ve had better luck pruning roses on cool, cloudy, almost raining days personally. As far as by the moon someone else will have to help. Hope this answers part of your question…
Hi, I’m creating an almanac calendar for a very large Electric Cooperative and their patrons in Virginia. I’m curious to know if I might be able to find information on planting months for September through December for 2025? Right now I only see months up to September (and a few days in). Many Thanks!!
Hello Erin – I have responded by email to another request. Thank you for your interest.
Does the Farmers Almanac also include houseplants? Such as transplanting to different pots?
Hi Lorrie, Yes, you can use our transplanting dates for houseplants. Please check back in with us to let us know how your plants are doing! We’d love to hear, and offer any additional advice to you.
plant timing. I dont understand why every 2-3 days changes from good to plant to bad to plant… How come and how do we know.. ?
Hi there, it’s curious isn’t it!? The short answer is that it has to do with the gravitational pull of the Moon (due to its position in the sky, relative to the position of the Sun) and how that affects the water in the soil. Follow along with us each month and you’ll get to know our calendars better! More questions along the way? Just ask! Best wishes.
I remember my dad saying that when the signs were in the knees that was the best time to try and stop smoking.. is there anybody in this discussion that can help me determine the day??
i live in zone 8a(30078) and i wanted to buy more tomatoes but am wondering if it is too late for them to produce tomatoes before November 1 -our first frost date. They are in 4 inch pots and are 4 to 8 inches tall. They will be a transplants.
Hello.
I saw this “?” was unanswered and wondered myself what it would be.
So I asked ChatGPT and here is what it gave.
Hope it helps.
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In USDA Zone 8a, where the first frost date typically falls around November 1, you still have some time to grow tomatoes, but it will depend on the specific variety of tomato and how quickly it matures. Here’s what to consider:
Days to Maturity: Most tomato varieties require between 55 to 85 days to reach maturity from transplanting. Since you’re looking at a window of approximately 60-70 days before the first frost, you’ll need to choose a variety with a shorter maturity time, ideally 55-65 days.
Growth Conditions: Since the plants are already 4-8 inches tall and in 4-inch pots, they have a head start. Transplanting them into the ground or larger pots with plenty of sun, good soil, and regular watering should help them grow quickly.
Weather Considerations: The weather in late summer and early fall can still be warm enough to support tomato growth in Zone 8a, but as the season progresses, cooler temperatures and shorter days may slow growth. Consider using row covers or other methods to extend the growing season slightly if needed.
Frost Protection: Since frost can damage or kill tomato plants, you should be prepared to protect your plants with frost covers or bring them inside if a frost is expected before they fully mature.
In summary, if you choose a fast-maturing tomato variety and give the plants optimal growing conditions, you should be able to harvest tomatoes before the first frost in Zone 8a.
I move to the Caribbean and it will be my first year planting watermelon.
Any tips regarding the moon and others for best results!!
Thanks.
does tilling your garden by the moon keep weeds down
How do you till by the moon?
Look up no till gardening 😉 No weeds ! I have done it a few years already and absolutely love it
when to transplant an ordinary Lily into ground from a pot in JUNE 1014 ? Prague
when is the best day in may to plant tomatoes big nice plants in containers?
Good morning. I have a question in regards to planting blueberry bushes. Thd first couple of years we want to establish strong root growth while pinching off flowers. So although technically an above ground fruit bearing bush would it be planted as such or as one would plant below ground root plants? Have over 100 bare root that need planted this month (April) Thoughts?
Great question! Examples of a root crop would be potatoes (and other tubers), radish, carrots – plants that are harvested under the ground. A blueberry plant would be considered an aboveground crop, which is the timing I use to plant mine (100 – wow!!! I’m impressed my 2-3 year a year that I add!) Happy growing and best garden wishes!
I planted yellow crookneck squash, which have beautiful blooms and green plants, but for some reason they don’t get any size to them, before they start to turn a orange color as if they been on the plant to long. any suggestions what could i be doing wrong. I also planted in a different location last year same results. two years prior I had an abundance of squash
Hi Sandra, If the plant if forming a small fruit that doesn’t grow and just turns yellow or orange, that sounds like a pollination problem. Try hand pollinating the flowers with a small paint brush. Brush gently against the stamen of the male flower (male flowers have a long stalk to them) and then take that brush and wipe it gently across the stigma of the female flower (female flowers grow close to the center of the plant). In addition to that, plant more flowering herbs and pollinator-friendly flowers near your veggies to help build up a pollinator and beneficial insect army. Best wishes, and please let us know how it goes!
i am a little confused on why FA is suggesting planting some above ground crops march 24 – 26, this is the full moon and waning starts. i would think this good for root crops and transplanting but not for above.
Gardening by the moon will be different for planting zones. And seed starting will be different. Is there guidance for planting by the moon in 5b for example?
You will still want to follow the guidelines for your planting zone (did you know that the zones changed recently https://www.farmersalmanac.com/what-are-plant-hardiness-zones )? and then when you reach the timing set forth by the planting timeframe – choose a date from our Gardening by the Moon calendar that makes sense.
Hello, I’m wondering would the 26-27th of this month (February) be good days to plant flower seeds and tubers? Is that what it means when it says “plant flowers” ?
Do these dates apply to in ground, indoors seed starting or both?
Are Trees considered consider root crops or a vine type plant?
Hi: Can you tell me what “last date to Plant” means. Thanks.
Our calendar is broken up into 3 day parts, so that means that the last day of those three is the best day to plant.
are leeks considered root crops or above soil crops
Hi, we would consider them root crops. Happy planting.
I just gifted myself this book for Christmas, and I am excited to learn more about gardening. Can I start anything in Illinois, I keep reading that April and March are the best times; January is for planning not planting – is that accurate?
I have been using the Farmer’s Almanac for planting with success a while now and would like to help others accomplish their planting goals.
Hi, I am fairly new to gardening. Looking forward to learning more.
Hi Lea, we have a lot tips and information on here but one of the best pieces of advice is to keep on trying! Sometimes what you do one season doesn’t always work the next season! But the reward is worth it!
I have some spring bulbs to plant and wanted to know when is the best time to plant them? I’m in NC and it think its zone 7 or 6 not sure which.
In general, try to plant when nightly temperatures are around 40 or 50 degrees, or about six weeks before you expect the ground to freeze. We recommend following our Planting Calendar for days that are positive for planting – especially root crops. My best advice is to reach out to a local greenhouse or your agricultural extension for details on your local climate that will ensure your success!
How do I go back to previous months for the planting calendar?
We don’t have an online backlog of the Planting Calendar, however we do have it available in our Farmers’ Almanac. If you email me at [email protected] I would be happy to assist you with past dates.
Is there a way to see last week’s calendar? It helps when I forget what I did AND forgot to journal it.
I’m wanting to sow some leaf lettuce and missed the day that was good for leafy vegetables and there’s not another day till the end of the month, will I have any luck going ahead and sowing seeds now?
I always recommend succession planting with lettuce (plant smaller amounts over a couple of weeks so that you have different harvest times), and with this concept you can plant now AND on the next Best Day for leafy vegetables. Happy Planting!
I bought some tomato and pepper plants today and the next day good for transplanting is a week away. Is it important to get those plants in the ground right away or should I wait for the date on the “plant by the moon” calendar? The moon is waning so it is time to plant root crops now. TIA
My recommendation will depend on how much care you can offer your plants while you wait for the planting window. If you are able to assure they are somewhat sheltered from extremes in temperature, can get adequate sun, and watered well – than a week will not bother them. If that isn’t possible – it is better they go in the ground sooner than later. Happy Planting!
I want to plant some lettuce with my tomatoes will that work well??
That should work well – here’s a great article that might help https://www.farmersalmanac.com/companion-planting-guide
Where can I buy the 2023 gardening by the moon planting calendar?
Thank you for your interest! We don’t currently have them for sale, but with a Farmhouse Membership, at either level, you would have access to a year in advance on our Gardening by the Moon dates on the website.
I planted wildflower seeds may 4th and may 5th, but I can’t see if those were good days to sow seeds. Its saying may 6th-7th are not good days, so now I’m worried lol does anyone know if the 4th and the 5th were good days to sow seeds?
You are in luck! May 4-5th were listed as good days to plant seedbeds! Happy Growing!
Can you transplant on no seed starting days? Are there specific times NOT to transplant?
The Garden by the Moon calendar will have separate dates for both. We do list days that are good for planting and barren days where it is not a good time to plant.
I want to plant onion plants, carrot seeds and radish seeds on Friday may 5th, should I wait for the May 8th & 9th for more favorable results?
Want to plant some potatoe that have sprouted do I leave sprouts on or tear them off?
Hi Carol, here is a great article that may have some good advice for you – https://www.farmersalmanac.com/grow-your-own-potatoes-26953
Leave them. They are the roots. Cut the potato with a sprout on each piece and separately they will be a plant. I grew a food-safe bucket (purchased at Lowe’s) and put the chunks in the bottom, covered with soil, kept watered to the top of the chunks, waited ’til the leaves appeared, added another layer of soil and kept doing that ’til the growth was to the top of the bucket, kept it watered (you could have punched a few holes before beginning the process) and then waited to the maturity date or a little beyond, and then pulled one up. A lot of trouble for a crop that is so cheap to buy, but I can tell you the taste was far superior to spuds purchased in the grocery store. You can even grow these lined up around the garden where they won’t take up planting space. Good luck.
I have some strawberries that I ordered from Park seeds and I put them into two large containers. They said to keep them indoors and shaded for ten days and I have but they are really growing fast, I am in south west Michigan when will it be safe to transplant them outside.
Debra, you really need to check when your last average frost date usually occurs. That is best, or keep an eye on the weather and protect them or bring them if if possible. Here is a link to the average frost dates we list – https://www.farmersalmanac.com/average-frost-dates
What type of half runners are”corn field” beans?
How long does it take potatoes and carrots to grow
Potatoes Plant April/May, Harvest July, Aug & 1st 1/2 Sept.
Carrots Plant Apr-Jun, Harvest Last 1/2 Jul – 1st 1/2 Dec
Ian Walter I would like to know the best time to set out my collard greens. I live in cincinnati ohio.
Plant last 1/2 Apr- 1/2 Aug
Right away. Collards are very cold hardy but sensitive to heat. Start picking baby size around 2-3 weeks after planting. Plant collards again in late August -September. They can be wintered over.
I bought tulips in pots at lowes. They have already flowering. They won’t live in the small pots much longer. When is the best dates to transplant them. I live in southwest va.
Take the bulbs out of the pots and let them dry, laying flat on some newspaper or the like in a dry space. Bulbs go into the ground late September-early October
What if any difference is there between the Henderson and Carolina sieva. My brother says daddy planted Henderson but back in the 70s I started a gardening and I got the sieva. I remember he told me. Then the sieva disappeared. Anywhere is there any dif d erence. Thank you for your response
Hi Ann. Henderson is a bush bean although it can produce what is called a half runner. Carolina sieva is a pole bean. Both are good Lima bean plants. I prefer the pole bean because of how prolific they are. But they are hard to find. What few places are selling them are sold out. I have used the Henderson in place of them. Nice size and taste. Both produce what we call here in the South a butter bean. The bean is small. The only other pole Lima I can find is King of the Garden and they produce very large beans. So Henderson it is for my garden this year.
What does it mean to set strawberries
It is another name for Planting out your Strawberry Plants
A set is a already established root. It has matured somewhat and will come out and mature faster than a seed.
When is the best time to plant tomatoes in Southwest la.
Tomatoes like warm soil and warm conditions. Mid March to April would be fine (depending on your growing zone and local climate of course). Your area might actually get too warm, so early spring, or even a late summer crop would be best unless you are planting a heat set plant. Good luck and please share your success!
I live in Lake Luzerne NY. Years of experience has proven to me our last frost date is June 1st. It is March 19 (2 days before spring) and we have 18″ of snow on the ground. Your planting calendar is telling me to plant squash on March 28-29 where climate permits. Your last frost date schedule shows early May as my last frost date. I can’t go by any of your dates because they are way off. Please update and make your planting schedule accurate for upstate NY. I am a member and extremely disappointed. Your schedule planting dates for upstate NY are more consistent with Maryland or Delaware.
Thank you for your feedback. Our planting by the moon is always going to be individual to your climate as it is based on the phases of the Moon and its position in the zodiac. These planting dates will repeat each month and are not specific to local areas. As for our frost dates, it is difficult to include all areas of a State, but we do try our best to pick areas that are distributed through a State. We have recently updated our frost dates to reflect NOAA’s most recent National Climatic Data Center information for a 30% chance of weather below 32degrees.
Best time to start planting tomatoes and herbs I live in the southeast