Vegetable Planting in Washington State

Washington state, like much of the Pacific Northwest, is home to a unique environment. The western portion of the state features cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers while the eastern part is much drier. However, much of state is ideal for growing vegetables.

Significance

• In many parts of Washington state, vegetables that are considered cool-season crops will do the best. Vegetables such as lettuce, peas, onions and radishes should be planted as soon as the soil is warm enough for you to work it.

Geography

• People who live in the drier regions of Washington, east of the Cascade Mountains, usually wait until April or May to plant. For those who live near Puget Sound and down the coast can begin planting in the middle of March.

Considerations

• People living in western Washington have more luck with warm-weather crops than those living near the Cascades or the eastern part of the state. They can plant these vegetables, like tomatoes, corn and eggplant, after the last frost, usually in late April.