Seeds to Direct Sow 6–8 Weeks Before Your Last Frost

Learn which seeds to direct sow 6–8 weeks before your last frost date, including root crops and early greens, plus planting tips.

As winter loosens its grip and the soil begins to thaw, it’s time to take the first steps into outdoor planting.

The 6–8 weeks before your average last frost date marks the beginning of the direct sowing season for many cool-season crops. These hardy vegetables tolerate chilly temperatures and can be planted outdoors early, as long as the soil has drained and is workable.

In this guide, you’ll learn which seeds to direct sow during this early window and how to time planting for strong, healthy growth.

Start With Your Average Last Frost Date

Knowing your average last frost date is essential for timing outdoor planting. This date tells you when freezing temperatures typically end in spring. To find yours, enter your ZIP code at PlantMaps.com or Garden.org, then count backward to determine when it’s safe to sow seeds outdoors.

• For help creating a complete planting plan, see: How to Create a Seed Starting Schedule Based on Your Last Frost Date.

While the last frost date gives you an estimated planting date, pay attention to your soil conditions. If your soil is still frozen or waterlogged, wait a bit longer. Direct sowing works best once the soil has drained and can be worked without clumping.

A simple way to test your soil is to grab a handful and squeeze it:

• If it crumbles easily when you tap it, the soil is ready to plant.
• If it holds together in a wet clump, wait a bit longer for it to dry out.

Planting too early into wet, compacted ground can lead to poor growth.

Why These Seeds Can Be Direct Sown Early

These cool-weather crops are naturally adapted to spring weather and perform best when planted early, before warmer weather slows growth or affects flavor.

Seeds direct sown 6–8 weeks before frost:

• Germinate in cool soil.
• Tolerate light frosts once established.
• Grow steadily during early spring.

Some of these crops do not transplant well or grow best when sown directly into the garden, making early direct sowing the ideal method.

Seeds to Direct Sow 6–8 Weeks Before Your Last Frost Date

The following crops can be planted directly into the garden once the soil has drained and is workable. These cool-season plants tolerate chilly conditions and benefit from early planting while temperatures remain mild. Always check your seed packet for specific planting depth and spacing recommendations.

Root Crops to Direct Sow

Root vegetables grow best when they’re direct sown into the soil where they will mature. Planting early allows roots to develop slowly and evenly, resulting in better texture and flavor. Cool spring temperatures also help prevent stress that can cause roots to become tough or misshapen.

Carrots

Carrots prefer cool temperatures and consistent moisture during germination and early growth. Direct sowing allows their roots to grow straight and undisturbed, which is essential for good shape and size. Early planting also produces sweeter roots before warm weather slows growth or affects flavor.

Parsnips

Parsnips germinate slowly but thrive in cool soil and benefit from a long growing season. Planting early gives them plenty of time to develop deep, well-formed roots. Their flavor improves with exposure to cool temperatures, making early sowing especially important.

Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing and ideal for early planting in spring. They mature quickly, often in just a few weeks, making them perfect for succession sowing. Planting every couple of weeks provides a steady harvest throughout the cool season.

Turnip

Turnips grow well in cool conditions and can be harvested for both their tender roots and nutritious greens. Early planting helps produce mild, sweet roots before warmer temperatures turn them woody. They are an excellent option for early spring gardens.

Spring Garlic

Spring garlic is planted early and harvested young for mild, tender bulbs and flavorful greens. It’s an excellent choice if you missed planting garlic in the fall. Early planting encourages steady growth before hot weather arrives.

Green Onions and Scallions

Green onions and scallions are hardy and easy to grow from seed. Early planting produces tender stalks that can be harvested young or allowed to size up gradually. They tolerate cool conditions well and are reliable spring performers.

Other Cool-Season Crops to Direct Sow

These crops tolerate cold conditions and are well suited to early direct sowing. Planting them early helps establish strong plants before temperatures rise.

Peas

Peas love cool weather and grow best when planted early in the season. Direct sowing avoids transplant shock and allows roots to establish quickly. Cooler temperatures encourage healthy growth and better pod development.

Spinach

Spinach germinates best in cool soil and prefers early spring planting. Direct sowing produces tender, flavorful leaves before warm weather triggers bolting. Early planting also allows for multiple harvests during the cooler months.

Chives

Chives are cold tolerant and can be direct sown early in the garden. Once established, they return year after year with minimal care. Early planting encourages steady growth and early harvests of tender, flavorful leaves.

Review the Seed Packet Before You Plant

When planting seeds outdoors this early, your seed packet is especially important. Before sowing, review:

• Timing: Recommended planting based on frost dates
• Planting Depth: How deep to sow seeds
• Spacing: How far apart to plant for proper growth
• Thinning Instructions: When and how to thin seedlings

Tips for Successful Early Direct Sowing

Early spring weather can be unpredictable, so paying attention to soil conditions is just as important as watching the calendar.

• Keep these tips in mind:
• Wait until the soil is workable, not muddy.
• Plant on a dry day to prevent soil compaction.
• Water gently to avoid washing seeds away.
• Be prepared to protect young seedlings if a hard freeze is forecast.

If you’re new to direct sowing or want a refresher on planting methods, spacing, and soil preparation, see: How to Direct Sow Seeds.

Can These Seeds Be Planted Earlier or Later?

Timing is flexible, but there are limits.

• Planting too early in frozen or waterlogged soil can cause seeds to rot.
• Most of these crops can be succession sown for extended harvests.
• If weather delays planting, these crops still perform well when sown a bit later.

Focus on soil conditions as much as calendar dates.

What to Plant Next

As spring continues and the soil warms, more crops become ready for outdoor planting.

Next in the direct sowing seed sowing schedule: Seeds to Direct Sow 4-6 Weeks Before Your Last Frost (Coming Soon). This includes additional greens and cool-season crops that expand the early spring garden.

Direct sowing is one of the most satisfying ways to start a vegetable garden. With the right timing and a little patience, these early plantings set the stage for a productive growing season.

Good planning is key to a successful vegetable garden

Whether you are new to growing your own food or have been growing a vegetable garden for years, you will benefit from some planning each year. You will find everything you need to organize and plan your vegetable garden in my PDF eBook, Grow a Good Life Guide to Planning Your Vegetable Garden.