LawnWeather

Winston-Salem, NC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Winston-Salem usually comes around Mar 30 and the first fall frost around Nov 8, a growing season of about 223 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2 and plant them outside Apr 13 – Apr 27.

Last spring frostMar 30
First fall frostNov 8
Growing season223 days

When to plant vegetables in Winston-Salem

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 16 – Mar 2Apr 13 – Apr 27—
PeppersFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 20 – May 4—
EggplantFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 20 – May 4—
Cucumbers—Apr 13 – Apr 27—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 13 – Apr 27—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 20 – May 4—
Green beans—Apr 13 – Apr 27Aug 16 – Aug 30
Sweet corn—Apr 13 – Apr 27—
BasilMar 2 – Mar 16Apr 13 – Apr 27—
LettuceFeb 2 – Feb 16Mar 2 – Apr 13Sep 13 – Sep 27
Spinach—Feb 16 – Mar 9Sep 13 – Sep 27
Peas—Feb 16 – Mar 9Aug 30 – Sep 13
Carrots—Mar 2 – Apr 6Aug 16 – Aug 30
Radishes—Feb 23 – Apr 13Sep 27 – Oct 11
BroccoliJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 2 – Mar 16Aug 16 – Aug 30
KaleFeb 2 – Feb 16Feb 23 – Mar 9Aug 30 – Sep 13
Onions—Mar 2 – Mar 16—
Potatoes—Mar 9 – Apr 6—
Garlic——Oct 25 – Nov 29

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

Month-by-month planting in Winston-Salem

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, 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, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

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

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How this works

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Winston-Salem?

The median last spring frost is Mar 30 and the median first fall frost is Nov 8, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Winston-Salem?

Start seeds indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2 and set plants outside Apr 13 – Apr 27, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Winston-Salem?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 8): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

More from Winston-Salem