Crop Planting Calculator
Plan your perfect harvest by working backwards from your target date. Get precise seed starting, transplanting, and bed planning schedules.
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Seed to Harvest Planning
Calculate Crop Planting Schedule
Save your planting schedule
Create a free account to save your calculated dates, get planting reminders, and manage your full garden plan.
How the Backwards-from-Harvest Calculator Works
Most planting guides tell you to plant after your last frost date and hope for the best. Our calculator flips this approach: you choose when you want to harvest, and we work backwards through every stage to give you exact dates for seed starting, transplanting, and bed turnover.
Worked Example: Tomatoes by August 15 in Zone 5
- 1Target harvest: August 15
- 2Subtract 65 days to maturity → Transplant by June 11
- 3Subtract 42 days in cell → Start seeds indoors by April 30
- 4Add 8-week harvest window → Bed free by October 10
Tomato Bed Layout (1 row, 12" spacing)
Tomato1 row12" spacing4 plants / 4ft
Why Backwards Planning Works Better
- Harvest when you need it — plan around your farmers' market schedule, CSA commitments, or family meals instead of guessing.
- Know your bed turnover date — see exactly when each bed frees up so you can plan succession plantings or fall crops.
- No more wasted seeds — starting too early creates leggy transplants; too late misses your window. Precise dates solve both.
Free PDF Download
2026 Canadian Seed Starting Calendar
Zone-by-zone planting dates for 50+ crops across 7 Canadian regions. 26 pages of exact start dates, transplant timing, and pro tips.