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Lake Charles, LA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Lake Charles usually comes around Feb 22 and the first fall frost around Dec 9, a growing season of about 290 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25 and plant them outside Mar 8 – Mar 22.

Last spring frostFeb 22
First fall frostDec 9
Growing season290 days

When to plant vegetables in Lake Charles

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 8 – Mar 22—
PeppersJan 4 – Jan 18Mar 15 – Mar 29—
EggplantJan 4 – Jan 18Mar 15 – Mar 29—
Cucumbers—Mar 8 – Mar 22—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 8 – Mar 22—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 15 – Mar 29—
Green beans—Mar 8 – Mar 22Sep 16 – Sep 30
Sweet corn—Mar 8 – Mar 22—
BasilJan 25 – Feb 8Mar 8 – Mar 22—
LettuceDec 28 – Jan 11Jan 25 – Mar 8Oct 14 – Oct 28
Spinach—Jan 11 – Feb 1Oct 14 – Oct 28
Peas—Jan 11 – Feb 1Sep 30 – Oct 14
Carrots—Jan 25 – Mar 1Sep 16 – Sep 30
Radishes—Jan 18 – Mar 8Oct 28 – Nov 11
BroccoliDec 14 – Dec 28Jan 25 – Feb 8Sep 16 – Sep 30
KaleDec 28 – Jan 11Jan 18 – Feb 1Sep 30 – Oct 14
Onions—Jan 25 – Feb 8—
Potatoes—Feb 1 – Mar 1—
Garlic——Nov 25 – Dec 30

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Lake Charles. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Lake Charles

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  12. DecemberStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lake Charles?

The median last spring frost is Feb 22 and the median first fall frost is Dec 9, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Lake Charles?

Start seeds indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25 and set plants outside Mar 8 – Mar 22, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Lake Charles?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Dec 9): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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