Sow Signal
2026 Horseheads North, NY Planting Calendar
Last spring frost: April 21 • First fall frost: September 21 • Growing window: 153 days.
Sow Signal shows the viable planting windows based on soil readiness, not the most conservative calendar date.
Source: https://sowsignal.com/planting-calendar/horseheads-north-ny

Spring / Last Frost-based Planting

Crop # Weeks to Start
Before Last Frost		 Start Inside
(mm-dd)		 Direct Sow
(mm-dd)		 Transplant
(mm-dd)		 Notes
Acorn Squash 05-12 Sow after last frost in warm soil; give vines room to sprawl.
Arugula 9 02-17 04-14 Start indoors early with bright light; transplant to cool-season beds. Arugula is a cool-season green; direct sow about 1 week before last frost in workable soil.
Asparagus Plant asparagus crowns in a permanent trench as soon as soil can be worked.
Banana Peppers 9 02-17 05-12 Start banana peppers 8–10 weeks before last frost for best yields. Transplant after frost when soil and nights are warm. Peppers stall in cool soil.
Basil 7 03-03 05-05 Start Basil Seeds indoors Transplant after frost risk has passed. Basil blackens in cold conditions.
Bay Laurel 05-19 Set out later once nights are reliably warm; bay laurel is cold-sensitive.
Bell Peppers 9 02-17 05-12 Peppers take a long time to germinate; start early in a warm spot. Transplant once nights are consistently above 55°F. Peppers stall in cool soil and recover slowly.
Blackberries 03-24 Plant dormant blackberry canes in early spring; provide trellis/support as needed.
Blueberries 03-24 Plant dormant blueberry bushes in early spring while soil is workable; mulch and water in.
Bok Choy 6 03-10 04-07 Start bok choy indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost for spring planting. Direct sow bok choy at the beginning of spring once soil can be worked.
Borage 04-07 Borage tolerates cool weather; sow before last frost for early flowers and pollinator support.
Broccoli 7 03-03 04-21 Start indoors to ensure plants are established before the heat hits. Broccoli can handle a light frost after being hardened off.
Bush Beans 04-28 Sow after last frost when nights are mild. Cold soil can rot seed.
Butterhead Lettuce 8 02-24 03-24 03-31 Start butterhead indoors ~8 weeks before last frost for early heads. Direct sow butterhead in cool soil; thin for airflow. Transplant butterhead ~3 weeks before last frost; keep growth steady to reduce bolting.
Butternut Squash 05-12 Sow after last frost in warm soil; butternut needs a long season.
Cabbage 7 03-03 03-31 Start cabbage seeds indoors early to ensure they mature before summer heat. Cabbage is frost-hardy; move starts outside a few weeks before the final frost.
Calendula 04-07 Calendula tolerates cool weather; sow a couple weeks before last frost.
Cantaloupe 4 03-24 05-05 05-05 Start in peat pots to avoid root disturbance during transplant. Direct sow after last frost once soil is warm. Thin to the strongest plants and keep moisture steady early on. Transplant only after frost risk is completely gone. Melons stall in cool soil.
Carrots 03-31 Carrots can handle a light frost. Sow directly in the soil.
Cauliflower 6 03-10 04-07 Start cauliflower 4–6 weeks before transplanting (indoor start). Transplant cauliflower about 2 weeks before last frost; protect from cold snaps.
Chives 04-07 Plant chives in early spring; cold-hardy perennial (or sow as soon as workable).
Cilantro 04-07 Cilantro loves cool weather; sow before the heat hits.
Collard Greens 03-24 Hardy greens that can handle a bit of frost.
Cosmos 04-28 Direct sow cosmos after last frost; thrives in heat and poorer soils.
Cowpeas (Southern Peas) 05-19 Sow in late spring/early summer once soil is hot; cowpeas are heat-loving.
Cucumbers 05-05 Sow in warm soil. Trellis to save space and improve airflow.
Daikon Radish 04-07 Daikon can be spring-sown early, but performs best as a fall crop.
Dill 04-07 Sow early; dill thrives in cool spring weather.
Eggplant 8 02-24 05-12 Sow once soil has warmed; cold soil causes poor germination and uneven stands. Transplant after frost risk has passed. Confirm soil warmth with a 2–4 inch morning soil thermometer reading for best establishment.
Endive 7 03-03 03-31 04-07 Start endive indoors for reliable spring stands; keep seedlings cool and steady. Direct sow endive in cool soil; thin to reduce bitterness from stress. Transplant endive into cool beds; steady watering helps quality.
Escarole 7 03-03 03-31 04-07 Start escarole indoors; steady growth improves quality. Direct sow escarole in cool weather; thin for airflow. Transplant escarole into cool beds; keep evenly watered.
Fava Beans 03-10 Fava beans tolerate cold; sow very early spring for pods before heat.
Fennel 04-28 Direct sow fennel after frost risk; steady growth prevents bolting.
Grapes 03-24 Plant grapes early spring while dormant; choose a sunny, well-drained site.
Green Beans 04-28 Sow once soil is warm. Beans rot in cold, wet soil.
Ground Cherries 7 03-03 05-05 Start ground cherries 6–8 weeks before last frost; they behave like tomatoes. Transplant ground cherries after last frost; cage or mulch for cleaner fruit.
Honeydew 4 03-24 05-05 05-05 Start honeydew in pots 3–4 weeks before transplanting to avoid root disturbance. Direct sow after last frost once soil is warm. Transplant about 2 weeks after last frost into warm soil.
Hot Peppers (General) 9 02-17 05-12 Hot peppers are slow; start 8–10 weeks before last frost with steady warmth. Transplant after frost once nights stay warm (55°F+). Peppers stall in cool soil.
Iceberg Lettuce 8 02-24 03-24 03-31 Start iceberg indoors ~8 weeks before last frost for head lettuce. Direct sow iceberg early; consistent moisture improves head formation. Transplant iceberg ~3 weeks before last frost; row cover helps in cold snaps.
Jalapeño Peppers 9 02-17 05-12 Start Jalapeños early; they need consistent warmth to germinate. Transplant after frost once nights stay above 55°F. Peppers stall in cool soil.
Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) 03-24 Plant sunchoke tubers in early spring while soil is workable; choose a permanent spot.
Kale 03-24 Kale is incredibly frost-tolerant; sow early.
Kohlrabi 8 02-24 03-24 Start kohlrabi indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Transplant kohlrabi ~4 weeks before last frost; cold-hardy when hardened off.
Lavender 10 02-10 05-05 Lavender from seed is slow; start early with bright light and well-drained medium. Transplant lavender after frost risk; avoid soggy soils.
Leeks 10 02-10 03-24 Start leeks indoors ~8–10 weeks before last frost for strong transplants. Transplant leeks ~4 weeks before last frost; cold-tolerant once hardened.
Lemongrass 8 02-24 05-19 Start lemongrass indoors; it needs a long warm season and strong light. Transplant after frost once soil is very warm; lemongrass is cold-sensitive.
Lettuce 8 02-24 03-24 Start indoors for reliable early plants; keep seedlings cool and evenly moist. Lettuce seeds germinate best in cool soil.
Lima Beans 05-05 Sow once soil is thoroughly warm; limas need more heat than snap beans.
Marigolds 6 03-10 04-28 04-21 Start marigolds indoors ~6 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms. Direct sow marigolds after last frost for easy blooms. Transplant marigolds around last frost once hardened off.
Marjoram 05-05 Plant marjoram after frost; treat as tender perennial/annual in colder zones.
Mint 04-07 Plant mint early spring (best in containers); very vigorous spreader.
Mustard Greens 03-31 Mustard greens are cold-tolerant; sow early for spring greens.
Nasturtiums 04-21 Direct sow nasturtiums around last frost; avoid rich soil for best flowering.
Okra 05-19 Wait for hot weather; okra thrives in heat and struggles in cool spring soil.
Onions 8 02-24 Start indoors early; provide bright light to prevent leggy seedlings.
Oregano 05-05 Plant oregano transplants after frost; pinch tips for bushier growth.
Parsley 10 02-10 04-07 04-07 Parsley germinates slowly; start 9–10 weeks before last frost for transplants. Direct sow parsley in cool spring soil; keep seedbed consistently moist. Transplant parsley 2–3 weeks before last frost; tolerates cool weather.
Parsnips 04-21 Parsnips are slow; sow after last frost as soil becomes workable and warms.
Peas 03-24 Peas should go in the ground very early; they don't mind light frost.
Pickling Cucumbers 05-05 Sow after last frost in warm soil. Trellis if possible for cleaner fruit.
Poblano Peppers 9 02-17 05-12 Start poblano peppers 8–10 weeks before last frost; provide strong light. Transplant after last frost in consistently warm conditions.
Pole Beans 04-28 Sow after last frost in warm soil and provide a trellis.
Potatoes 03-31 Plant seed potato chunks with at least two "eyes" facing up.
Pumpkins 05-19 Sow once soil is warm; pumpkins need a long season and steady heat to mature.
Raspberries 03-24 Plant dormant raspberry canes in early spring while soil is workable; mulch and water in.
Romaine Lettuce 8 02-24 03-24 03-31 Start romaine indoors ~8 weeks before last frost for strong transplants. Direct sow romaine in cool soil; keep seedbed evenly moist. Transplant romaine ~3 weeks before last frost; protect with row cover if needed.
Romanesco 6 03-10 04-07 Start romanesco indoors like cauliflower for reliable spring stands. Transplant romanesco into cool beds; steady growth improves head formation.
Rosemary 05-05 Set out rosemary transplants after frost risk; prefers warm soil and full sun.
Rutabaga 04-07 Rutabaga prefers cool conditions; sow early spring (often mid-summer for fall roots).
Sage 05-05 Plant sage after frost; prefers well-drained soil and sun.
Scallions 03-24 Sow scallions early; they tolerate cool weather and mature quickly.
Shallots 04-07 Plant shallot sets in early spring while soil is workable; keep weed-free.
Soybeans (Edamame) 05-05 Sow after last frost in warm soil and full sun for strong early growth.
Spinach 7 03-03 03-31 Start indoors for early plants; keep seedlings cool to prevent stress. Spinach loves the cold. Plant as soon as the soil can be worked.
Strawberries 04-07 Plant strawberry starts now; protect blossoms if a late frost is predicted.
Sunflowers 05-05 Sow once soil has warmed for fast emergence and strong early growth.
Sweet Corn 05-12 Sweet corn requires soil temps above 60°F. Soil gate: sow only after soil reaches 60°F+ to prevent seed rot and uneven stands.
Sweet Potatoes 05-19 Plant slips once soil is very warm. Cold soil causes rot and poor rooting.
Swiss Chard 04-07 More heat-tolerant than spinach; can be sown nearly anytime.
Tarragon 05-05 Plant tarragon after frost; avoid wet soils to prevent root issues.
Tatsoi 6 03-10 04-07 Start tatsoi indoors ~4–6 weeks before last frost; grows best in cool conditions. Direct sow tatsoi early spring once soil can be worked.
Thyme 05-05 Set out thyme transplants after frost risk; drought-tolerant once established.
Tomatillos 7 03-03 05-05 Start tomatillos 6–8 weeks before last frost; pot up to avoid stunting. Transplant tomatillos after last frost; plant at least two for pollination.
Tomatoes 8 02-24 04-28 Start seeds in trays with heat mats for the best head start. Transplant once frost risk is low. Earlier planting can boost yields before peak summer heat; cold soil slows rooting even after frost danger.
Turnip Greens 03-31 Turnip greens grow best in cool weather; sow early spring.
Turnips 03-31 Sow turnips 2–4 weeks before last frost for spring roots.
Watermelon 05-19 Wait for real heat; watermelons are very cold-sensitive and stall in cool soil.
Wax Beans 04-28 Grow like snap beans: sow after last frost in warm soil.
Winter Squash (General) 05-12 Sow after last frost once soil warms; winter squash needs heat and time.
Yellow Squash 05-05 Sow once soil is warm and nights are mild.
Zinnias 04-28 Direct sow zinnias after last frost; they prefer warm soil and sun.
Zucchini 05-05 Sow in warm soil; zucchini grows fast and takes off quickly once established.

Fall / First Frost-based Planting

Crop # Weeks to Start
Before First Frost		 Start Inside
(mm-dd)		 Direct Sow
(mm-dd)		 Transplant
(mm-dd)		 Notes
Arugula 08-10 For fall arugula, sow about 4–6 weeks before first frost for a late harvest.
Beets 07-27 Beets mature well in the cooling autumn soil.
Bok Choy 07-27 For fall bok choy, sow ~8 weeks before first frost to mature in cool weather.
Broccoli 14 06-15 06-29 07-13 Fall broccoli: start seeds indoors about 14–16 weeks before first frost so transplants are ready on time. Broccoli needs time to establish before the days get too short. Fall broccoli: transplant about 10–12 weeks before first frost so heads form in cool weather.
Brussels Sprouts 20 05-04 06-01 06-01 Start Brussels sprouts indoors early (about 20 weeks before first frost) to allow a long fall crop. Brussels sprouts are long-season: start early so plants size up well before cold slows growth. Transplant Brussels sprouts about 16 weeks before first frost for best fall/winter sprouts.
Bush Beans 07-13 Sow bush beans ~10 weeks before first frost for a fall crop (quick varieties).
Butterhead Lettuce 08-10 Fall sow butterhead ~6 weeks before first frost for sweet leaves.
Cabbage 14 06-15 07-13 Fall cabbage: start seeds indoors about 14–16 weeks before first frost so transplants are ready on time. Fall cabbage: transplant about 10–12 weeks before first frost for best heading in cool weather.
Carrots 06-29 Fall carrots: sow 11–13 weeks before first frost so roots size up before cold slows growth.
Cauliflower 07-27 Transplant fall cauliflower ~8 weeks before first frost for heading in cool temps.
Chinese Cabbage (Napa) 07-13 Napa cabbage performs best as a fall crop; sow ~10 weeks before first frost for firm heads.
Cilantro 07-27 Cilantro loves the cooling autumn air; sow now for a fall taco feast.
Collard Greens 06-29 Best when matured in the cool air of autumn.
Cucumbers 07-27 Late-season cucumbers can have fewer pests; use fast-maturing varieties and protect as nights cool.
Daikon Radish 07-27 Sow daikon ~8 weeks before first frost for crisp fall roots.
Dill 07-27 Fall dill is perfect for late-season pickling.
Endive 07-27 Fall sow endive ~8 weeks before first frost; cooler nights reduce bitterness.
Escarole 07-27 Fall sow escarole ~8 weeks before first frost; quality improves as temps cool.
Fennel 07-13 Sow fennel ~10 weeks before first frost for fall bulbs; cool temps improve quality.
Garlic 08-24 Plant garlic in fall for harvest next summer. Planting after soil cools encourages strong roots without excessive top growth.
Green Beans 07-13 A late summer planting yields a great fall crop before the freeze.
Iceberg Lettuce 08-10 Fall sow iceberg ~6 weeks before first frost; start early enough to size up.
Kale 07-27 Kale actually tastes sweeter after a light frost.
Kohlrabi 07-13 Direct sow kohlrabi ~10 weeks before first frost for fall bulbs.
Lettuce 07-13 Fall lettuce: sow about 9–11 weeks before first frost for best establishment in cooling weather.
Mustard Greens 07-27 Sow mustard ~8 weeks before first frost for fast fall greens.
Onions 08-10 Fall-planted onions can overwinter and bulb up in spring. Cool conditions support strong roots.
Peas 07-13 Plant fall peas 10 weeks before frost; germinate best as temps moderate—keep soil consistently moist.
Pole Beans 07-13 Sow pole beans ~10 weeks before first frost; protect as nights cool.
Potatoes 06-29 Fall potatoes must be planted early enough to grow tubers before frost.
Radishes 08-24 Radishes are the ultimate fast crop for the end of the season.
Romaine Lettuce 08-10 Fall sow romaine ~6 weeks before first frost for crisp cool-weather growth.
Romanesco 07-27 Transplant fall romanesco ~8 weeks before first frost for heading in cool weather.
Rutabaga 06-29 For fall rutabaga, sow ~12 weeks before first frost for full-size roots.
Spinach 07-27 Fall spinach: sow about 8–11 weeks before first frost so plants establish before short days slow growth.
Swiss Chard 07-13 Sow in late summer for greens that last deep into the winter.
Tatsoi 07-27 Fall sow tatsoi ~8 weeks before first frost; tolerates cool nights well.
Turnip Greens 07-27 Sow turnip greens ~8 weeks before first frost for tender fall harvest.
Turnips 07-27 Sow turnips ~8 weeks before first frost for sweet fall roots.
Zucchini 07-13 Plant a second round of Zucchini in late summer for a heavy fall harvest.