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Memphis, TN Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Memphis usually comes around Mar 11 and the first fall frost around Nov 12, a growing season of about 246 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11 and plant them outside Mar 25 – Apr 8.

Last spring frostMar 11
First fall frostNov 12
Growing season246 days

When to plant vegetables in Memphis

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 28 – Feb 11Mar 25 – Apr 8—
PeppersJan 21 – Feb 4Apr 1 – Apr 15—
EggplantJan 21 – Feb 4Apr 1 – Apr 15—
Cucumbers—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 1 – Apr 15—
Green beans—Mar 25 – Apr 8Aug 20 – Sep 3
Sweet corn—Mar 25 – Apr 8—
BasilFeb 11 – Feb 25Mar 25 – Apr 8—
LettuceJan 14 – Jan 28Feb 11 – Mar 25Sep 17 – Oct 1
Spinach—Jan 28 – Feb 18Sep 17 – Oct 1
Peas—Jan 28 – Feb 18Sep 3 – Sep 17
Carrots—Feb 11 – Mar 18Aug 20 – Sep 3
Radishes—Feb 4 – Mar 25Oct 1 – Oct 15
BroccoliDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 11 – Feb 25Aug 20 – Sep 3
KaleJan 14 – Jan 28Feb 4 – Feb 18Sep 3 – Sep 17
Onions—Feb 11 – Feb 25—
Potatoes—Feb 18 – Mar 18—
Garlic——Oct 29 – Dec 3

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

Month-by-month planting in Memphis

  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, Garlic
  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 Memphis?

The median last spring frost is Mar 11 and the median first fall frost is Nov 12, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Memphis?

Start seeds indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11 and set plants outside Mar 25 – Apr 8, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Memphis?

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

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