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Columbia, SC Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Columbia usually comes around Mar 9 and the first fall frost around Nov 23, a growing season of about 259 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9 and plant them outside Mar 23 – Apr 6.

Last spring frostMar 9
First fall frostNov 23
Growing season259 days

When to plant vegetables in Columbia

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 23 – Apr 6—
PeppersJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 30 – Apr 13—
EggplantJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Cucumbers—Mar 23 – Apr 6—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 23 – Apr 6—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Green beans—Mar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
Sweet corn—Mar 23 – Apr 6—
BasilFeb 9 – Feb 23Mar 23 – Apr 6—
LettuceJan 12 – Jan 26Feb 9 – Mar 23Sep 28 – Oct 12
Spinach—Jan 26 – Feb 16Sep 28 – Oct 12
Peas—Jan 26 – Feb 16Sep 14 – Sep 28
Carrots—Feb 9 – Mar 16Aug 31 – Sep 14
Radishes—Feb 2 – Mar 23Oct 12 – Oct 26
BroccoliDec 29 – Jan 12Feb 9 – Feb 23Aug 31 – Sep 14
KaleJan 12 – Jan 26Feb 2 – Feb 16Sep 14 – Sep 28
Onions—Feb 9 – Feb 23—
Potatoes—Feb 16 – Mar 16—
Garlic——Nov 9 – Dec 14

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

Month-by-month planting in Columbia

  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, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter 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. DecemberStart indoors: BroccoliPlant 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 Columbia?

The median last spring frost is Mar 9 and the median first fall frost is Nov 23, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Columbia?

Start seeds indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9 and set plants outside Mar 23 – Apr 6, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Columbia?

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.

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