In just a few weeks, you'll finally be able to say, "Spring has sprung!" But what about the seedlings in your garden? Those early warm days of spring might tempt you to get your gardening gear out, but there is such a thing as planting too early. Luckily, the Old Farmer's Almanac is here to take the guesswork out of your planting plan.
Following the Old Farmer's Almanac spring 2o25 forecast, the publication has released its first weather-based gardening guide. The 2025 spring garden map features a color-coded key of eight categories to indicate expected conditions at the beginning of the spring gardening season for the United States and parts of Canada. The categories, which range from "Cool, Slow Start" to "Hot, Fast Start," are based on soil moisture, air temperatures, precipitation, and frost thaw.
Now, going back to the first spring forecast, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a mild, warmer-than-usual season. Given that, it's no surprise that the start of planting season "will be on track—or ahead of normal—for most of the country," according to the publication.
Okay, so the map predicts "normal" conditions overall—but what does that mean for your region? The ideal time to start planting your spring flowers is the earliest for those in the Southern mainland U.S., between March and May. Those in the central and northern mainland U.S. can begin their gardens between April and June, while peak planting season in Southern Canada falls between May and June.
The map also considers possible precipitation levels. For example, Ree Drummond can expect to grow her dahlias on time and without special care, as Oklahoma is predicted to have a "Mild, Dry Start" to planting season.
On the other hand, states like Washington and Louisiana will face wetter soil conditions that call for modifications. If you're in an area with a wet start, wait for your soil to dry out or use a raised bed to prevent root rot and poor seed germination. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, "a 'cold start' leads to a later planting date, and a 'hot start' puts early stress on plants."
So, there you have it! All that's left is to pick a day on your spring calendar and start planting.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
