> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# When to Plant Foods that Fight Cancer
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/when_to_plant_foods_that_fight_cancer_0505100414/
- Published: 2011-05-05T17:12:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:54:56.000Z
- Description: AICR follows its home-gardening feature with a planting calendar covering broccoli, carrots, peas, tomatoes and more, plus a video from its dietitian. The group recommends filling at least two-thirds of the plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Agriculture, Environment, #vivvo-import

# [**Watch the video**](http://www.aicr.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=20587&news%5Fiv%5Fctrl=2303&ref=foodconsumer.org#video)

Last month we featured home gardening as a great way to work a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meal. Our ["Do-It-Yourself Salads"](http://www.aicr.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=20473&news%5Fiv%5Fctrl=2303&ref=foodconsumer.org) featured much of the groundwork for starting your own garden and growing a variety of foods that fight cancer. Now it's time to start planting with this guide to seasonal produce in your area and step-by-step instructional video by our own registered dietitian.

Scientists believe that the combination of foods in a predominantly plant-based diet may protect against cancer. There is evidence that the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant foods could interact in ways that boost their individual anti-cancer effects. That's why AICR recommends that [at least 2/3 of your plate](http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reduce%5Fdiet%5Fnew%5Famerican%5Fplate&ref=foodconsumer.org) should be filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.

Here are a few of our favorites to plant now. For more specific growing times in your neck of the woods check out this [helpful chart, organized by zones](http://www.burpee.com/gygg/growingCalendarWithZipCode.jsp?catid=1000&%5Frequestid=610907&ref=foodconsumer.org).

__**When to Plant Foods that Fight Cancer**__
| **Vegetable**    | **Start Seed Indoors**    | **Plant Seed or Transplant Outdoors** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Asparagus        | April 15 - May 1 (crowns) | April 15 - May 1                      |
| Broccoli         | March 1 - 15              | April 15 - June 1                     |
| Brussels Sprouts |                           |                                       |
| Carrots          | April 15 - June 15        |                                       |
| Cucumbers        | May 1 - June 15           |                                       |
| Lettuce, head    | March 1 - 15              | April 15 - May 1                      |
| Peas             | April 10 - May 15         |                                       |
| Pepper           | March 15 - April 1        | June 1                                |
| Sweet Corn       | May 10 - July 1           |                                       |
| Tomato           | April 1 - 15              | May 15 - June 1                       |
| Watermelon       | May 15 - June 1           |                                       |

Source: [University of Minnesota Extension](http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1422.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)

[Download a full size PDF of this chart, Adapted from Cornell Universtiy,  Northeast Regional Food Guide.](http://www.aicr.org/site/DocServer/SeasonalProduceChart.pdf?docID=1601&ref=foodconsumer.org)

## What's Ready Now?

If you're not quite ready to start your own garden, but want fresh veggies now, check out our helpful chart (right) of what's in season. These items will be fresh at your local farmers' market and ready to add to your table today.

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[Foods that Fight Cancer: Container Gardening](http://vimeo.com/23268526?ref=foodconsumer.org) from [AICR](http://vimeo.com/aicr?ref=foodconsumer.org) on [Vimeo](http://vimeo.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org).

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**Additional Information:**

- [More Foods that Fight Cancer](http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=foodsthatfightcancer%5Fhome&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Never Too Late to Lower Your Risk](http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nevertoolate%5Fhome&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Take the New American Plate Challenge](http://blog.aicr.org/2011/03/17/step-up-to-the-new-american-plate-for-cancer-prevention/?ref=foodconsumer.org)

[Foods that Fight Cancer: Container Gardening](http://vimeo.com/23268526?ref=foodconsumer.org) from [AICR](http://vimeo.com/aicr?ref=foodconsumer.org) on [Vimeo](http://vimeo.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org).

from [AICR.org](http://www.aicr.org/?ref=foodconsumer.org)