Last Succession Sow Before Frost
Compute the last useful sow date as first frost minus days-to-harvest, with a small buffer only for cool-season crops that tolerate light frost.
Published by ThriveThyme
first frost succession planting last sowing fall garden
Last Succession Sow Before Frost
Last useful sow ≈ first frost − days-to-harvest. For cool-season crops that tolerate light frost, add a small buffer (about 3–14 days) so the last sowing can finish into cool weather. Frost-tender crops (bush beans) get no buffer.
Confirm frost with the first frost date tool and My Garden settings. Do not invent a national date.
Worked Pattern
1. First frost (example only—use yours): October 20. 2. Lettuce days-to-harvest from the catalog: 45. 3. Light-frost buffer: ~5 days. 4. Last sow ≈ October 20 − 45 + 5 → about September 10. 5. From today until that date, re-sow every 10–14 days.
Run the same steps live in Succession Desk.
Buffers (Guidance, Not Guarantees)
- None: bush bean and other frost-tender crops.
- Small (≈3–7 days): lettuce, arugula, cilantro, radish, beet, carrot.
- Larger (≈7–14 days): spinach, bok choy, Swiss chard, kale.
Yard microclimates, mulch, and covers can shift outcomes a week either way.
Related
- How to succession plant for continuous harvest
- Succession planting intervals for common crops
- What is first frost and how to use it
- What to plant now
Sources
- Extension guidance on counting back from average first frost for fall sowings
- Catalog days-to-harvest as planning estimates