When to Plant and Harvest Oats
Fast fall cover that usually winter-kills in colder zones; use when you want cover without a living spring stand
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Oats
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Oats in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | June 16 to July 14 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | June 27 to July 25 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | July 7 to August 4 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | July 17 to August 14 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 1 to August 29 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | August 11 to September 8 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | August 23 to September 20 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 6 to October 4 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to October 29 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 21 to November 18 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.75 inches deep
- Spacing: 2 inches apart, 6 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water to establish; then 1 inch per week during dry spells
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before sowing
- Blood Meal organic: Light rate on very poor soil only
Companion Plants
- Winter Peas
- Crimson Clover
- Hairy Vetch
Avoid Planting Near
- Very late sowings in cold zones with little establish time left
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Stand covers soil within a few weeks of sowing
- Growth is lush before a hard freeze in cold zones
- Winter-killed residue can be left as mulch in spring
- In mild winters, terminate before seed heads form
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Oats?
Oats planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Oats?
The best time of year to plant Oats is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Oats?
Plant Oats in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Oats?
Plant Oats about 2 inches apart, with rows around 6 inches apart.
What grows well with Oats?
Oats is commonly paired with Winter Peas, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch.
How long does Oats take to grow?
Oats is typically ready to harvest in about 60 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Oats?
Harvest Oats when stand covers soil within a few weeks of sowing. Growth is lush before a hard freeze in cold zones Winter-killed residue can be left as mulch in spring