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Resist the urge to plant too early, or you’ll have to start over. Wet soil can cause seed rot. Cooler temperatures prevent root development and stunt plant growth. Soil conditions must be favorable for starting seeds. As gardeners, we rely on frost dates to gauge the length of our growing season and the planting calendar dates. Frost dates are based on 30-year normals. While they are invaluable as a guideline, they are still based on averages and aren’t specifically predicting THIS YEAR’s&�Բ�����;���DzԻ徱�پ��DzԲ�.

The 2025 Spring Garden Map

In 2025, we’re introducing our new �������� garden map, which covers the mainland of the United States and the most populated parts of Canada. The color key below denotes eight categories to show anticipated conditions at the early start of the spring gardening season—including soil moisture, air temperatures, precipitation, and frost thaw. 

This map hones in on the early start of the planting season, which varies by location. Namely:

1. Southern mainland U.S.: Starts between March and May.
2. Central and northern mainland U.S.: Starts between April and June.
3. Southern Canada: Generally begins in May and June.

In 2025, The Start of Planting Is On Track or Earlier Than Norm

The 2025 Garden Map reveals that the anticipated start of the season will be on track—or ahead of normal—for most of the country.  Perhaps this isn’t surprising, given that the 2025 spring weather outlook predicts a milder spring. 

Gardeners should pay special attention to colored zones that say “wet start,” which can lead to poor seed germination and root rot. A “dry start,” which often occurs in drought-prone areas, may hinder plant growth and possibly prevent seeds from sprouting at all. A “cold start” leads to a later planting date, and a “hot start” puts early stress on plants.

Specifically, note that areas of the map:

• The Pacific Northwest and Deep South must plan for wetter than typical soils, which can lead to a slow start. In Canada, southern Quebec will also have a wet start and cold temperatures.
• The interior Plains of the U.S. and Canada, southern Texas, and parts of the Southeast and Florida will have early heat, which could dry out the soil and put early stress on plants.  A dry start is also expected in northern Texas, the Upper Midwest, and southern Ontario.

Fortunately, any soil condition that is not “perfect” can usually be addressed—whether warming the soil with plastic, using garden beds and containers with well-draining soil, planning an irrigation system for dry soil, using cloth shades for heat stress, and buying heat-tolerant or drought-tolerant seed varieties.

Gardening Implications

First, remember that you may live in a unique microclimate—near a body of water, in a valley, or on a hillside. The best way to prepare is to observe your own garden closely and track what works for you. or log to record conditions and results.

What To Do About Wet Soil

Gardening requires patience. As tempting as it may be, don’t start working the soil if it’s too wet; this compacts the soil and hinders plant growth for the entire season. Compact soil prevents water and air from reaching plant roots. To check if your soil is ready, dig a hole 6 inches deep and take a handful of soil. If the dirt retains its round shape and doesn’t crumble, it is too wet to be worked. Learn more about preparing the soil for planting.

In consistently wet conditions, raised beds are a great solution. You can construct them from wood, brick, or stone and fill them with good-quality soil. Alternatively, mound the soil using no-till methods.

Container gardening with pots and planters is another solution! You manage your water and growing medium. For small spaces, a container garden is a safe bet for producing vegetables and flowers. !  

If you decide to wait it out, invest in a to determine when the soil is dry enough for planting. But, again, patience and observation go a long way!

When it’s too early to grow a vegetable garden, there are native plants that thrive in moist soil environments. Here are some of our favorites—most are also beloved by bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
• Joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
• Queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra)
• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate)
• Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)
• Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)

How to Warm Up Cold Soil

Cold soil can cause seeds to rot or germinate slowly, but there are ways to jump-start the season and warm up the soil faster. Once again, raised beds are a great way to warm the soil. 

A way to thaw the ground is to cover it with clear plastic, which helps raise the soil temperature. Expert gardener Robin Sweetser tested several different methods for melting snow. Here is the best technique for warming up the soil.

Another option is using season extenders like low tunnels or cold frames, which help heat the soil and protect plants from surprise frosts. Cold frames—wooden boxes with slanted, transparent tops—trap heat and are perfect for growing leafy vegetables like arugula, kale, lettuce, and Swiss chard. See how to make a cold frame. 

Once you’ve seeded your vegetables, use row covers to protect your plants from frost. 

Know the ideal seed germination temperatures for different crops. For example, some cool-season crops will germinate once soil temperatures reach 50°F, including:

• Beets
• Carrots
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Mustard greens
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Spinach
• Swiss chard

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Dealing With Dry Soil and Heat

In dry conditions, it’s essential to conserve water; some methods include planning a drip irrigation system or using soaker hoses to deliver water right to plant’s root system, in contrast to inefficient overhead watering. According to , “setting up a simple drip irrigation system will probably use 2/3 less water. And not watering the foliage decreases the potential for disease.”

Along with efficient watering, choosing drought-resistant plants can help conserve moisture in your garden. Here are some top choices for dry climates:

• Beans
• Coneflower
• Herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Lavender
• Mustard greens
• Okra
• Sedum
• Sunflowers

Improving soil with organic material like compost is especially beneficial for dry soil. And remember: mulch! Applying 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch, such as straw, can help retain moisture and provide nutrients as it decomposes. Learn more about types of mulch.

In extreme heat, use shade cloth to protect plants from drying out. Consider windbreaks or taller crops like corn to shield smaller plants. Vines, like tomatoes or cucumbers, can also help protect the soil and keep it cool.

Get the Season Started Right!

Before you map out your raised beds and order seeds, flip through our trusted  to discover new varieties and old favorites, tips for growing lots of food, and ideas for adding color and meaning to your vistas—128 pages overflowing with advice from fellow gardening fanatics who draw from more than 233 years of wisdom and experience!

Have you encountered challenges like wet soil, drought, or something else in your garden? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks! Share your experiences below and help fellow gardeners with the valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way.

We wish all our gardeners—from beginners to seasoned experts—a joyful and fruitful season ahead! May you find plenty of helpful advice and inspiration on these pages to support your gardening journey.