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Chattanooga, TN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Chattanooga usually comes around Mar 21 and the first fall frost around Nov 7, a growing season of about 231 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and plant them outside Apr 4 – Apr 18.

Last spring frostMar 21
First fall frostNov 7
Growing season231 days

When to plant vegetables in Chattanooga

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 18—
PeppersJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
EggplantJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Cucumbers—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Green beans—Apr 4 – Apr 18Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sweet corn—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
BasilFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 4 – Apr 18—
LettuceJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 21 – Apr 4Sep 12 – Sep 26
Spinach—Feb 7 – Feb 28Sep 12 – Sep 26
Peas—Feb 7 – Feb 28Aug 29 – Sep 12
Carrots—Feb 21 – Mar 28Aug 15 – Aug 29
Radishes—Feb 14 – Apr 4Sep 26 – Oct 10
BroccoliJan 10 – Jan 24Feb 21 – Mar 7Aug 15 – Aug 29
KaleJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 14 – Feb 28Aug 29 – Sep 12
Onions—Feb 21 – Mar 7—
Potatoes—Feb 28 – Mar 28—
Garlic——Oct 24 – Nov 28

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

Month-by-month planting in Chattanooga

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  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, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

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 Chattanooga?

The median last spring frost is Mar 21 and the median first fall frost is Nov 7, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Chattanooga?

Start seeds indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and set plants outside Apr 4 – Apr 18, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Chattanooga?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 7): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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