Recommendations for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 11
Zones 3-5 have a larger range of seeds that should be started indoors based on the shorter growing season. Zones 6-11 can sow more seeds outdoors, as they have a longer growing season.
You can easily find your growing hardiness zone by searching: USDA Hardiness Zone and your zip code.
Zones 3-5: Seeds to Direct Sow
*Direct sowing seeds in these climates is often called ‘winter’ sowing. These seeds need to be really cold hardy.
- Basil
- Beans
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Chives
- Dill
- Garlic
- Kale
- Onions
- Mint
- Peas
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Zones 3-5: Seeds to Start indoors
*The short growing season in these Zones means many plants need to be started indoors and transplanted to ensure the plants have a long enough growing season.
- Most flowers and herbs
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Peppers
- Pumpkins
- Lettuce
- Melons
- Okra
- Summer Squash
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini Squash
Zones 6-11: Seeds to Direct Sow
- Basil
- Beans
- Beets
- Black Eyed Susan
- Carrots
- Calendula
- Chives
- Corn
- Cosmos
- Cucumbers
- Dill
- Garlic
- Greens
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Marigold
- Melons
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Onion
- Parsley
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Sunflowers
- Sweet Potatoes
- Zinnia
Zones 6-11: Seeds to Start Indoors
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Coleus
- Eggplant
- Lemon Balm
- Oregano
- Peppers
- Petunia
- Poppy
- Tomatoes
