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Franklin, TN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Franklin usually comes around Apr 1 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 215 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4 and plant them outside Apr 15 – Apr 29.

Last spring frostApr 1
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season215 days

When to plant vegetables in Franklin

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 15 – Apr 29—
PeppersFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 22 – May 6—
EggplantFeb 11 – Feb 25Apr 22 – May 6—
Cucumbers—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 22 – May 6—
Green beans—Apr 15 – Apr 29Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—Apr 15 – Apr 29—
BasilMar 4 – Mar 18Apr 15 – Apr 29—
LettuceFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 4 – Apr 15Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Feb 18 – Mar 11Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Feb 18 – Mar 11Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 4 – Apr 8Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Feb 25 – Apr 15Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 4 – Mar 18Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 4 – Feb 18Feb 25 – Mar 11Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 4 – Mar 18—
Potatoes—Mar 11 – Apr 8—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

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

Month-by-month planting in Franklin

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, 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, 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 Franklin?

The median last spring frost is Apr 1 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Franklin?

Start seeds indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4 and set plants outside Apr 15 – Apr 29, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Franklin?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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