How Washington zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.

Zones across Washington

Washington covers USDA Zones 6b–8b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

Zone 6b — Spokane and the eastern uplands. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
Zone 7a — Yakima and Wenatchee. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
Zone 7b — Tri-Cities and the Columbia Basin. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
Zone 8b — Skagit Valley, Seattle and Puget Sound. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Tri-Cities and the Columbia Basin (Zone 7b)

Tomatoes: set out April 15 – May 6; fall July 9 – July 30
Peppers: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 23 – August 13
Sweet corn: seed April 8 – April 29; fall July 23 – August 13
Cucumbers: set out April 15 – May 6; fall August 6 – August 27
Summer squash: seed April 15 – May 6; fall August 13 – September 3
Green beans (bush): seed April 8 – April 29; fall August 6 – August 27
Cabbage: set out March 11 – April 1; fall July 9 – July 30
Broccoli: set out March 11 – April 1; fall July 9 – July 30

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Where to sell in Washington

State buy-local program: the Washington State Department of Agriculture runs the state's farm marketing programs. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
Established market: Pike Place Market (Seattle). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in Washington

Income tax: No state income tax on wages or farm profit; a separate capital gains tax applies to some large gains.
Sales tax on inputs: Many farm inputs are exempt; give vendors the Farmers' Certificate for Wholesale Purchases and Sales Tax Exemptions from the Department of Revenue.
Farmland property tax: Current Use (Open Space Taxation Act) program: farmland is assessed on use value; apply through the county assessor.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in Washington

Specialty Crop Block Grant (WSDA)
Conservation district cost-share through the Washington State Conservation Commission
Farmland preservation grants (Recreation and Conservation Office)
USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
Western SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

WSU Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers

Washington growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start