When to plant carrots in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA

Plant carrots from seed, directly in the garden in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 19 – Aug 2.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland)'s typical last spring frost is April 27. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: Thin to 2 inches apart
Planting depth: ¼ inch deep
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 70 days after planting

Step by step

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, ¼ inch deep, Thin to 2 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Jul 19 – Aug 2 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Pull when the shoulders are about ¾ inch across. Fall carrots sweeten after a light frost.

Varieties that do well here

Scarlet Nantes
Bolero
Danvers

Watch out for

Carrot rust fly larvae tunnel through roots. Cover the bed with insect netting from sowing on.

Keep the seedbed moist until they sprout, which can take two to three weeks in cool soil.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA?

Typically April 27. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Pasco Tri-Cities Airport.

Is it too late to plant carrots in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland)?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 19 to August 2.

How long until I can harvest carrots?

About 70 days after planting. Pull when the shoulders are about ¾ inch across. Fall carrots sweeten after a light frost.

Also plant in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) around the same time

Planting dates for carrots in nearby areas

Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 27
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Yakima, WA Apr 10 – Jun 5
Wenatchee, WA Apr 1 – May 27
Walla Walla, WA Apr 1 – May 27
Moses Lake, WA Apr 1 – May 27

Full planting calendar for Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) · Carrots in every city