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Knoxville, TN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Knoxville usually comes around Mar 28 and the first fall frost around Nov 6, a growing season of about 223 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 14 – Feb 28 and plant them outside Apr 11 – Apr 25.

Last spring frostMar 28
First fall frostNov 6
Growing season223 days

When to plant vegetables in Knoxville

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 14 – Aug 28
Sweet corn—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
BasilFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
LettuceJan 31 – Feb 14Feb 28 – Apr 11Sep 11 – Sep 25
Spinach—Feb 14 – Mar 7Sep 11 – Sep 25
Peas—Feb 14 – Mar 7Aug 28 – Sep 11
Carrots—Feb 28 – Apr 4Aug 14 – Aug 28
Radishes—Feb 21 – Apr 11Sep 25 – Oct 9
BroccoliJan 17 – Jan 31Feb 28 – Mar 14Aug 14 – Aug 28
KaleJan 31 – Feb 14Feb 21 – Mar 7Aug 28 – Sep 11
Onions—Feb 28 – Mar 14—
Potatoes—Mar 7 – Apr 4—
Garlic——Oct 23 – Nov 27

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

Month-by-month planting in Knoxville

  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, 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 Knoxville?

The median last spring frost is Mar 28 and the median first fall frost is Nov 6, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Knoxville?

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 Knoxville?

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

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