New Orleans, LA Planting Calendar
The last spring frost in New Orleans usually comes around Jan 23. Start tomatoes indoors Dec 12 – Dec 26 and plant them outside Feb 6 – Feb 20.
Last spring frostJan 23
When to plant vegetables in New Orleans
| Vegetable | Start seeds indoors | Plant outside | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Peppers | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — |
| Cucumbers | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Zucchini & summer squash | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Pumpkins & winter squash | — | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — |
| Green beans | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet corn | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Basil | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Lettuce | Nov 28 – Dec 12 | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | — |
| Spinach | — | Dec 12 – Jan 2 | — |
| Peas | — | Dec 12 – Jan 2 | — |
| Carrots | — | Dec 26 – Jan 30 | — |
| Radishes | — | Dec 19 – Feb 6 | — |
| Broccoli | Nov 14 – Nov 28 | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | — |
| Kale | Nov 28 – Dec 12 | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | — |
| Onions | — | Dec 26 – Jan 9 | — |
| Potatoes | — | Jan 2 – Jan 30 | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — |
Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for New Orleans. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.
Month-by-month planting in New Orleans
- JanuaryStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
- FebruaryPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
- MarchPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- AprilPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- AugustPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- SeptemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- OctoberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- NovemberStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
- DecemberStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
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 New Orleans?
The median last spring frost is Jan 23, based on 2016–2025 weather data.
When should I plant tomatoes in New Orleans?
Start seeds indoors Dec 12 – Dec 26 and set plants outside Feb 6 – Feb 20, once nights stay above 50°F.