Planting calendars by region

Short-to-moderate seasons, cold winters, reliable summer rain. Start warm crops indoors; hardy greens and roots do well spring and fall.

Long, humid summers and mild-ish winters near the coast, colder in the mountains. A wide crop range with a real fall season.

Hot, humid summers and short winters. Spring and fall are the prime vegetable windows; summer suits okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes.

Very long seasons, brief or no winter. Cool crops are grown in the cool months; heat and humidity, not frost, set the limits.

Cold winters, warm summers, good rainfall. A classic four-season garden — indoor starts for warm crops, big spring and fall cool-season windows.

Wide temperature swings, wind, and variable rain. Shorter seasons north, longer south; wind protection and moisture matter.

From the Panhandle to the Gulf, Texas covers many climates. Most of the state gardens in spring and fall and rests warm crops through peak summer heat.

Elevation drives everything — short frost-free windows, cool nights, intense sun, dry air. Choose short-season varieties and use season extension.

Low deserts are near frost-free with brutal summers; higher elevations are short-season. Grow cool crops in winter at low elevation.

West of the Cascades: mild, wet, long but cool seasons — greens and brassicas thrive, heat lovers need help. East side is high-desert cold.

Coastal, valley, mountain, and desert climates in one state. Much of it gardens year-round; match crops to your microclimate and water carefully.

Two extremes: Alaska's very short but long-day summers, and Hawaii's frost-free year-round growing shaped by rainfall and elevation.