Seattle Spring Planting Calendar: When to Start Seeds in the Pacific Northwest
Share
Spring gardening in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest requires different timing than most of the country. With our last frost date around April 6 in the Seattle area and mild, wet winters, here's your complete PNW planting guide.
March (Now!): Start Indoors
- Cool-season crops: lettuce, kale, broccoli, cauliflower
- Herbs: parsley, cilantro, chives
- Start tomatoes and peppers indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
April: Transition Outdoors
- After April 6: Plant peas, spinach, radishes directly in garden
- Harden off seedlings started in March
- Plant potatoes in Whidbey Island and coastal areas
May: Full Spring Planting
- Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant after May 15
- Direct sow beans, squash, cucumbers
- Plant microgreens for continuous harvest
Washington State Climate Zones: Remember that Freeland and Whidbey Island (Zone 8b) can plant slightly earlier than higher elevation areas. Oregon gardeners in Portland follow similar timing.
Pro Tip for PNW Gardeners: Our cool, wet springs mean starting seeds indoors gives you a major advantage. Shop our seed starting supplies and heirloom varieties selected for Pacific Northwest success.