Seasonal Planting Guide: What to Grow and When in Vancouver, WA
Understanding Vancouver, WA's Climate
Vancouver falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, characterized by moderate rainfall, mild winters, and warm summers. The average last frost date in Vancouver, Washington is April 11–20. Our growing season typically runs from March to October, but with the right planning, you can garden year-round.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is the perfect time to start planting cool-season crops as the soil begins to warm up.
What to Plant
Direct Sow: Peas, radishes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, arugula, beets
Transplant: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, chard, onions
Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, chives
Garden Tips
Start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors in late February to transplant in late May.
Protect young seedlings from late frosts with row covers.
Don't be tempted to start to early. Frost isn't the only thing to worry about. Slugs attack seedlings faster than they can grow in the dark, wet early days of sprint.
Summer (June - August)
As temperatures rise, heat-loving plants thrive while some cool-season crops may bolt.
What to Plant
Warm-Season Crops: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, corn, melons
Successive Planting: Bush beans, summer squash, basil
Heat-Tolerant Greens: Malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach
Garden Tips
Provide shade and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Water deeply in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
Continue harvesting leafy greens and replant quick-growing crops like radishes.
Fall (September - November)
Fall is a great time to plant crops that will overwinter or grow in the cooler months.
What to Plant
Direct Sow: Spinach, lettuce, radishes, turnips
Transplant: Kale, chard, Brussels sprouts, overwintering onions, garlic
Cover Crops: Clover, rye, vetch to improve soil health
Garden Tips
Use cold frames or row covers to extend the growing season.
Plant garlic in October for a summer harvest.
Mulch beds to protect soil and reduce weeds.
Winter (December - February)
Winter is a time to protect and prepare your garden for the next season.
What to Plant
Overwintering Crops: Garlic, shallots
Indoor Growing: Microgreens
Perennials: Fruit trees, berry bushes, asparagus crowns
Garden Tips
Use mulch and row covers to protect crops from frost.
Plan for spring by starting seeds indoors.
Prune fruit trees and berry bushes in late winter.
Final Thoughts
By following this seasonal planting guide, Vancouver, WA gardeners can enjoy fresh produce year-round. Adapting to the region’s climate and using techniques like succession planting and season extenders will ensure a bountiful harvest. For a tried-and-true sowing and planting calendar, check out