Calculate planting and harvest dates, intervals between farm operations, and growing degree days.
Plan your farm schedule with three calculation modes: start date + days = end date, end date - days = start date, and days between two dates. Perfect for scheduling planting, spraying, irrigation, and harvest. Count backward from your target harvest date to find the optimal planting window.
You planted tomatoes on May 1st expecting harvest by August 1st, but the variety needed 95 days, not 60. First ripe tomatoes appeared August 4th — after your restaurant buyer had already switched to another supplier. A one-week delay cost you a $3,000 contract. Always count backward from the target harvest date.
Timing is critical in farming. Plan planting, fertilizing, spraying, irrigation, and harvest schedules.
A: Find your local average last spring frost date from agricultural extension or NOAA. Count backward from that date for cool-season crops (plant 2-4 weeks before last frost) and forward for warm-season crops (plant 1-2 weeks after last frost). Use the 10-year average, not the earliest possible date.
A: GDD measure heat accumulation: GDD = (max temp + min temp)/2 - base temp. Different crops have different base temperatures (corn 50°F/10°C, wheat 32°F/0°C). GDD predicts development more accurately than calendar days because growth slows in cool weather. Use our calculators to plan based on local climate data.
A: Seeds: 3-6 months before planting (especially for organic or specialty varieties). Fertilizer: 1-3 months (prices fluctuate seasonally). Pesticides: 1-2 months. Livestock feed: 2-4 weeks. Equipment parts: 1-2 months. Order early to avoid shortages and price spikes.