Climate-Based Garden Planning Tools

These tools are built for growers working within real seasonal limits. Instead of using calendar dates, they model two stable climate constraints: frost timing and seasonal heat accumulation.

Each calculator uses historical climate normals — a typical-year baseline — to produce deterministic planning boundaries. No accounts. No tracking. No forecasts. Just stable reference data you can use to plan with margin.

Used together, these tools form a simple 4-step planning system:

1. Define frost boundaries — Identify your typical last spring and first fall frost dates.
2. Estimate seasonal heat — Understand how much growing degree accumulation your season provides.
3. Test crop feasibility — Compare crop maturity requirements against your frost window and heat supply.
4. Convert constraints into dates — Turn those limits into seed-start and planting timelines.

• Spring Planting Planner (By Last Frost Date)
  Generate indoor start, transplant, and direct sow dates based on your last frost.
• Fall Planting Planner (By First Frost Date)
  Plan fall planting and harvest timing before your first frost.
• Frost Date Finder (ZIP / Postal Code)
  Look up your average last spring frost and first fall frost dates at the 32°F / 0°C freeze threshold; the baseline used for frost-based planting schedules.
• Growing Degree Day Planner: Will Your Crop Mature Before Frost?
  Estimate whether a crop can reach maturity before your typical first frost using climate normals growing degree days (GDD).

These tools are designed to be used together. If you're new to climate-based planning, start with the Frost Date Finder to establish your seasonal boundaries.