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Wilmington, DE Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Wilmington usually comes around Apr 3 and the first fall frost around Nov 12, a growing season of about 223 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6 and plant them outside Apr 17 – May 1.

Last spring frostApr 3
First fall frostNov 12
Growing season223 days

When to plant vegetables in Wilmington

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 20 – Mar 6Apr 17 – May 1—
PeppersFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 24 – May 8—
EggplantFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 24 – May 8—
Cucumbers—Apr 17 – May 1—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 17 – May 1—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 24 – May 8—
Green beans—Apr 17 – May 1Aug 20 – Sep 3
Sweet corn—Apr 17 – May 1—
BasilMar 6 – Mar 20Apr 17 – May 1—
LettuceFeb 6 – Feb 20Mar 6 – Apr 17Sep 17 – Oct 1
Spinach—Feb 20 – Mar 13Sep 17 – Oct 1
Peas—Feb 20 – Mar 13Sep 3 – Sep 17
Carrots—Mar 6 – Apr 10Aug 20 – Sep 3
Radishes—Feb 27 – Apr 17Oct 1 – Oct 15
BroccoliJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 6 – Mar 20Aug 20 – Sep 3
KaleFeb 6 – Feb 20Feb 27 – Mar 13Sep 3 – Sep 17
Onions—Mar 6 – Mar 20—
Potatoes—Mar 13 – Apr 10—
Garlic——Oct 29 – Dec 3

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

Month-by-month planting in Wilmington

  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: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  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 Wilmington?

The median last spring frost is Apr 3 and the median first fall frost is Nov 12, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Wilmington?

Start seeds indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6 and set plants outside Apr 17 – May 1, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Wilmington?

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

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