LawnWeather

Raleigh, NC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Raleigh usually comes around Mar 25 and the first fall frost around Nov 13, a growing season of about 233 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 11 – Feb 25 and plant them outside Apr 8 – Apr 22.

Last spring frostMar 25
First fall frostNov 13
Growing season233 days

When to plant vegetables in Raleigh

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 8 – Apr 22—
PeppersFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 15 – Apr 29—
EggplantFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Cucumbers—Apr 8 – Apr 22—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 8 – Apr 22—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Green beans—Apr 8 – Apr 22Aug 21 – Sep 4
Sweet corn—Apr 8 – Apr 22—
BasilFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 8 – Apr 22—
LettuceJan 28 – Feb 11Feb 25 – Apr 8Sep 18 – Oct 2
Spinach—Feb 11 – Mar 4Sep 18 – Oct 2
Peas—Feb 11 – Mar 4Sep 4 – Sep 18
Carrots—Feb 25 – Apr 1Aug 21 – Sep 4
Radishes—Feb 18 – Apr 8Oct 2 – Oct 16
BroccoliJan 14 – Jan 28Feb 25 – Mar 11Aug 21 – Sep 4
KaleJan 28 – Feb 11Feb 18 – Mar 4Sep 4 – Sep 18
Onions—Feb 25 – Mar 11—
Potatoes—Mar 4 – Apr 1—
Garlic——Oct 30 – Dec 4

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

Month-by-month planting in Raleigh

  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. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, 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 Raleigh?

The median last spring frost is Mar 25 and the median first fall frost is Nov 13, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Raleigh?

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

When should I plant a fall garden in Raleigh?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 13): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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