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Birmingham, AL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Birmingham usually comes around Mar 16 and the first fall frost around Nov 17, a growing season of about 246 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16 and plant them outside Mar 30 – Apr 13.

Last spring frostMar 16
First fall frostNov 17
Growing season246 days

When to plant vegetables in Birmingham

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 2 – Feb 16Mar 30 – Apr 13—
PeppersJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 6 – Apr 20—
EggplantJan 26 – Feb 9Apr 6 – Apr 20—
Cucumbers—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 6 – Apr 20—
Green beans—Mar 30 – Apr 13Aug 25 – Sep 8
Sweet corn—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
BasilFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 30 – Apr 13—
LettuceJan 19 – Feb 2Feb 16 – Mar 30Sep 22 – Oct 6
Spinach—Feb 2 – Feb 23Sep 22 – Oct 6
Peas—Feb 2 – Feb 23Sep 8 – Sep 22
Carrots—Feb 16 – Mar 23Aug 25 – Sep 8
Radishes—Feb 9 – Mar 30Oct 6 – Oct 20
BroccoliJan 5 – Jan 19Feb 16 – Mar 2Aug 25 – Sep 8
KaleJan 19 – Feb 2Feb 9 – Feb 23Sep 8 – Sep 22
Onions—Feb 16 – Mar 2—
Potatoes—Feb 23 – Mar 23—
Garlic——Nov 3 – Dec 8

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

Month-by-month planting in Birmingham

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  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
  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 Birmingham?

The median last spring frost is Mar 16 and the median first fall frost is Nov 17, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Birmingham?

Start seeds indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16 and set plants outside Mar 30 – Apr 13, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Birmingham?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 17): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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