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Durham, NC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Durham usually comes around Mar 27 and the first fall frost around Nov 11, a growing season of about 229 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27 and plant them outside Apr 10 – Apr 24.

Last spring frostMar 27
First fall frostNov 11
Growing season229 days

When to plant vegetables in Durham

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 10 – Apr 24—
PeppersFeb 6 – Feb 20Apr 17 – May 1—
EggplantFeb 6 – Feb 20Apr 17 – May 1—
Cucumbers—Apr 10 – Apr 24—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 10 – Apr 24—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 17 – May 1—
Green beans—Apr 10 – Apr 24Aug 19 – Sep 2
Sweet corn—Apr 10 – Apr 24—
BasilFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 10 – Apr 24—
LettuceJan 30 – Feb 13Feb 27 – Apr 10Sep 16 – Sep 30
Spinach—Feb 13 – Mar 6Sep 16 – Sep 30
Peas—Feb 13 – Mar 6Sep 2 – Sep 16
Carrots—Feb 27 – Apr 3Aug 19 – Sep 2
Radishes—Feb 20 – Apr 10Sep 30 – Oct 14
BroccoliJan 16 – Jan 30Feb 27 – Mar 13Aug 19 – Sep 2
KaleJan 30 – Feb 13Feb 20 – Mar 6Sep 2 – Sep 16
Onions—Feb 27 – Mar 13—
Potatoes—Mar 6 – Apr 3—
Garlic——Oct 28 – Dec 2

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

Month-by-month planting in Durham

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

The median last spring frost is Mar 27 and the median first fall frost is Nov 11, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Durham?

Start seeds indoors Feb 13 – Feb 27 and set plants outside Apr 10 – Apr 24, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Durham?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 11): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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