When to Plant in Seattle: Why I Don't Rush Spring Gardening in the PNW

February in Seattle: When your garden is getting more rain than it needs - and your soil is telling you to wait

Every January and February, I hear the same question from PNW gardeners:

"Should I be planting already?"

Seed catalogs arrive in the mail. Instagram fills with spring garden content. Garden centers stock their shelves like planting season is in full swing.

But after years of gardening in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you this:

The biggest mistake I see in Seattle gardens is planting too early.

The Most Common Spring Gardening Mistake in the PNW

Planting based on the calendar instead of the soil.

In the Seattle area and much of the Pacific Northwest, early spring typically means:

• Cold soil temperatures

• Heavy rain and poor drainage

• Waterlogged beds (even raised ones)

• Dormant soil biology

When you plant seeds or transplants in these conditions, the results are predictable:

• Seeds rot before they sprout

• Transplants stall and never recover

• Soil structure compacts under your feet

• You replant everything in March or April anyway

This is one of the most common mistakes I see - especially with enthusiastic beginners.

When you wait for the right soil conditions, seedlings emerge strong and healthy - not stunted or rotted from cold, wet soil

Why Cold, Wet Soil Matters More Than Your Planting Calendar

In late winter, your soil is still waking up.

Below the surface, critical processes are just beginning:

• Microbial life is slowly reactivating

• Excess moisture is draining (or struggling to)

• Organic matter is starting to break down

• Soil temperature is gradually climbing

Planting before your soil is ready doesn't speed spring up. It creates setbacks that last all season.

That's why knowing when to plant in Seattle is less about dates and more about observation.

Your soil thermometer tells you more than any planting calendar ever will. When the soil is ready, you'll know

What I Do Instead of Planting in January and February

Instead of rushing seeds into cold ground, I use late winter for intentional preparation.

Here's how I set up my PNW spring garden for success:

Plan the garden layout

I map out where everything will grow - spacing, succession planting, and crop rotation included - before I touch a seed.

Late winter is for planning, not planting. Map out your garden layout now so you're ready to move fast when the soil is

Choose the right crops for our climate

Not every vegetable thrives in cool, damp conditions. I focus on varieties that actually perform well in Seattle's unique growing season.

Prep beds lightly (only when conditions allow)

If the soil isn't saturated, I'll tidy beds and clear debris. But I never dig or work wet soil - that's a fast track to compaction.

Watch the soil, not the calendar

Soil temperature, drainage, and structure tell me everything I need to know. When those conditions align, I plant with confidence.

This approach means I'm ready to move quickly when the time is right - without the guesswork or second-guessing.

Patience in February = Abundance in July

After years of gardening in the Pacific Northwest, one pattern holds true:

Patience in February leads to abundance in summer.

• Healthier root systems

• Stronger, more resilient plants

• Fewer replants and failures

• Consistent, reliable harvests

Spring gardening success in the PNW isn't about planting early. It's about planting at the right time.

Patience in February leads to abundance in summer. This is what waiting for the right planting time gets you

Feeling Behind? You're Not.

If you're wondering whether you should already have seeds in the ground, here's your reminder:

You're not late. You're not behind. You're exactly where you should be.

Late winter is for planning, observing, and preparing - not forcing growth before your garden is ready.

A Simple Next Step (If You Want Support)

If you're unsure when to plant in Seattle or how to read your soil conditions, you don't have to figure it out alone.

👉My PNW Spring Garden Checklist walks you through:

• What to do now vs. what to wait on

• How to tell if your soil is ready to work

• Common early-season mistakes to avoid

• What you don't need to worry about yet

👉And if you want personalized guidance, I offer 1:1 kitchen garden consulting to help you create a clear, confident plan tailored to your space and schedule.

Start with clarity - your garden (and your summer harvests) will thank you. 🌱

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👉 Want more PNW Kitchen Garden tips? Check out my other articles or subscribe to the newsletter for weekly guidance.