Zone 7 spring planting list
March–May starters for the Mid-Atlantic and similar climates.
Zone 7 typically sees last frost around mid-April (adjust locally). Start tender crops indoors 6–8 weeks before that date; direct-sow hardy greens as soon as soil can be worked.
- Sugar snap pea seeds — Direct sow early — they prefer cool soil.
- Spinach seeds (bloomsdale) — Fast harvest before heat shuts it down.
- Cherry tomato starts or seeds — Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost.
- Bell pepper seeds — Slow germination — warmth and patience.
- Basil seeds — Wait until nights stay above 50°F.
- Marigold seeds — Companion planting helper for tomatoes.
- Seed starting mix (fine) — Better drainage than potting soil for seedlings.
- Heat mat for seedlings — Consistent bottom warmth speeds germination.
- Plant labels + marker — You will forget what you planted in three weeks.
- Row cover (light frost) — Buy a few weeks of protection on early transplants.
- Soil thermometer — Peas and carrots need real soil temps, not calendar dates.
- Compost or aged manure — Feed the bed before heavy feeders go in.