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Charlotte, NC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Charlotte usually comes around Mar 28 and the first fall frost around Nov 10, a growing season of about 227 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 14 – Feb 28 and plant them outside Apr 11 – Apr 25.

Last spring frostMar 28
First fall frostNov 10
Growing season227 days

When to plant vegetables in Charlotte

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 11 – Apr 25—
PeppersFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 18 – May 2—
EggplantFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 18 – May 2—
Cucumbers—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 18 – May 2—
Green beans—Apr 11 – Apr 25Aug 18 – Sep 1
Sweet corn—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
BasilFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
LettuceJan 31 – Feb 14Feb 28 – Apr 11Sep 15 – Sep 29
Spinach—Feb 14 – Mar 7Sep 15 – Sep 29
Peas—Feb 14 – Mar 7Sep 1 – Sep 15
Carrots—Feb 28 – Apr 4Aug 18 – Sep 1
Radishes—Feb 21 – Apr 11Sep 29 – Oct 13
BroccoliJan 17 – Jan 31Feb 28 – Mar 14Aug 18 – Sep 1
KaleJan 31 – Feb 14Feb 21 – Mar 7Sep 1 – Sep 15
Onions—Feb 28 – Mar 14—
Potatoes—Mar 7 – Apr 4—
Garlic——Oct 27 – Dec 1

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

Month-by-month planting in Charlotte

  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. 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, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: 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 Charlotte?

The median last spring frost is Mar 28 and the median first fall frost is Nov 10, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Charlotte?

Start seeds indoors Feb 14 – Feb 28 and set plants outside Apr 11 – Apr 25, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Charlotte?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 10): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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