LawnWeather

Wilmington, NC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Wilmington usually comes around Mar 14 and the first fall frost around Nov 23, a growing season of about 254 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14 and plant them outside Mar 28 – Apr 11.

Last spring frostMar 14
First fall frostNov 23
Growing season254 days

When to plant vegetables in Wilmington

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 28 – Apr 11—
PeppersJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 4 – Apr 18—
EggplantJan 24 – Feb 7Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Cucumbers—Mar 28 – Apr 11—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 28 – Apr 11—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Green beans—Mar 28 – Apr 11Aug 31 – Sep 14
Sweet corn—Mar 28 – Apr 11—
BasilFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 28 – Apr 11—
LettuceJan 17 – Jan 31Feb 14 – Mar 28Sep 28 – Oct 12
Spinach—Jan 31 – Feb 21Sep 28 – Oct 12
Peas—Jan 31 – Feb 21Sep 14 – Sep 28
Carrots—Feb 14 – Mar 21Aug 31 – Sep 14
Radishes—Feb 7 – Mar 28Oct 12 – Oct 26
BroccoliJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 14 – Feb 28Aug 31 – Sep 14
KaleJan 17 – Jan 31Feb 7 – Feb 21Sep 14 – Sep 28
Onions—Feb 14 – Feb 28—
Potatoes—Feb 21 – Mar 21—
Garlic——Nov 9 – Dec 14

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: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, 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

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 Wilmington?

The median last spring frost is Mar 14 and the median first fall frost is Nov 23, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Wilmington?

Start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14 and set plants outside Mar 28 – Apr 11, 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 23): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

More from Wilmington