Seasonal gardening
What to plant in North Carolina, season by season
Lists for each season and region, taken from NC State Extension's planting calendars[1],[2],[3]. Seasons follow calendar months: spring is March to May, summer June to August, fall September to November, and winter December to February.
Last reviewed by GardenSproutly against the sources listed on this page.
Spring planting (Mar, Apr, May)
Cool-season crops are cold-hardy and thrive in early spring when temperatures stay below 70°F; a cold frame, low tunnel, or frost cloth gives them a head start. Frost-sensitive warm-season crops grow well in late spring, once temperatures are above 70°F and soils have warmed.[4]
Eastern North Carolina
54 crops with spring planting dates
- Artichokes, globeTransplantsMar, Apr
- Artichokes, JerusalemTubersMar, Apr
- ArugulaSeedsMar
- AsparagusCrownsMar
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsApr, May
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsApr, May
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsMar, Apr, May
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsApr, May
- BeetsSeedsMar, Apr
- BroccoliTransplantsMar, Apr
- CabbageTransplantsMar, Apr
- Cabbage, ChineseSeeds, TransplantsMar
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsApr, May
- CarrotsSeedsMar
- CauliflowerTransplantsMar, Apr
- CeleryTransplantsMar
- CilantroSeedsMar
- Collard greensTransplantsMar, Apr, May
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- DillSeedsMar
- EggplantTransplantsApr, May
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsMar, Apr
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- Lettuce, headSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Mustard greensSeedsMar, Apr, May
- OkraSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Onions, bulbSeeds, BulbsMar
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsMar
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsMar
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- ParsnipsSeedsMar, Apr, May
- PeanutsSeedsMay
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsMar
- Peas, field/southernSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsMar
- PeppersTransplantsApr, May
- Potatoes, IrishTubersMar
- PumpkinSeedsApr, May
- RadishesSeedsMar, Apr, May
- RutabagaSeedsMar, Apr
- SpinachSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- SunflowerSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Sweet cornSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Sweet potatoesTransplantsMay
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- TomatoesTransplantsApr, May
- TurnipsSeedsMar, Apr, May
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
Central North Carolina
54 crops with spring planting dates
- Artichokes, globeTransplantsMar, Apr
- Artichokes, JerusalemTubersMar, Apr
- ArugulaSeedsMar
- AsparagusCrownsMar
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsApr, May
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsApr, May
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsMar, Apr, May
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsApr, May
- BeetsSeedsMar, Apr
- BroccoliTransplantsMar, Apr
- CabbageTransplantsMar, Apr
- Cabbage, ChineseSeeds, TransplantsMar
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsApr, May
- CarrotsSeedsMar
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- CeleryTransplantsMar
- CilantroSeedsMar
- Collard greensTransplantsMar, Apr, May
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- DillSeedsMar
- EggplantTransplantsApr, May
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsMar, Apr
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr, May
- Lettuce, headSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Mustard greensSeedsMar, Apr, May
- OkraSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Onions, bulbSeeds, BulbsMar
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsMar
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsMar
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- ParsnipsSeedsMar, Apr, May
- PeanutsSeedsMay
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsMar, Apr
- Peas, field/southernSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsMar, Apr
- PeppersTransplantsApr, May
- Potatoes, IrishTubersMar
- PumpkinSeedsApr, May
- RadishesSeedsMar, Apr, May
- RutabagaSeedsMar, Apr
- SpinachSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- SunflowerSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Sweet cornSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Sweet potatoesTransplantsMay
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- TomatoesTransplantsApr, May
- TurnipsSeedsMar, Apr, May
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
Western North Carolina
53 crops with spring planting dates
- Artichokes, globeTransplantsMar, Apr
- Artichokes, JerusalemTubersMar, Apr
- ArugulaSeedsApr
- AsparagusCrownsMar, Apr, May
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsMay
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsMay
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsMay
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsMay
- BeetsSeedsApr, May
- BroccoliTransplantsApr, May
- CabbageTransplantsMar, Apr
- Cabbage, ChineseSeeds, TransplantsApr
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsMay
- CarrotsSeedsMar, Apr, May
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsApr
- CeleryTransplantsApr, May
- CilantroSeedsApr, May
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsMay
- DillSeedsApr, May
- EggplantTransplantsMay
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsApr
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- Lettuce, headSeedsMar, Apr
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Mustard greensSeedsMar, Apr, May
- OkraSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Onions, bulbSeeds, BulbsMar
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsMar
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsApr, May
- ParsnipsSeedsApr, May
- PeanutsSeedsMay
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsMar, Apr
- Peas, field/southernSeedsMay
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsMar, Apr
- PeppersTransplantsMay
- Potatoes, IrishTubersMar, Apr
- PumpkinSeedsMay
- RadishesSeedsMar, Apr
- RutabagaSeedsMar, Apr
- SpinachSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsMay
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsMay
- SunflowerSeedsMar, Apr, May
- Sweet cornSeedsApr, May
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsMar, Apr
- TomatoesTransplantsMay
- TurnipsSeedsMar, Apr
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsMay
Summer planting (Jun, Jul, Aug)
As temperatures rise, cool-season crops bolt and turn bitter, though shade cloth or taller neighboring crops can extend them. Warm-season crops planted in late spring grow until the first frost, and late summer is the time to plant cool-season crops for a fall harvest.[4]
Eastern North Carolina
47 crops with summer planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsAug
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsJun, Jul
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsJun, Jul
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsJun, Aug
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- BeetsSeedsJul, Aug
- BroccoliTransplantsAug
- Brussels sproutsTransplantsJul, Aug
- CabbageTransplantsJul, Aug
- Cabbage, ChineseSeedsAug
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- CarrotsSeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsAug
- CeleryTransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- DillSeedsAug
- EggplantTransplantsJun, Aug
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsJul, Aug
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsJun, Aug
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsJun, Aug
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsJun
- Lettuce, headSeedsAug
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsAug
- Mustard greensSeedsJun, Aug
- OkraSeedsAug
- Onions, bulbSeedsAug
- Onions, greenTransplantsAug
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsAug
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsAug
- ParsnipsSeedsAug
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsAug
- Peas, field/southernSeedsJun, Aug
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsAug
- PeppersTransplantsJun, Aug
- PumpkinSeedsJun, Jul
- RadishesSeedsJun, Aug
- RutabagaSeedsJul, Aug
- SpinachSeedsJun, Aug
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Sweet potatoesTransplantsJun, Jul
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsAug
- TomatoesTransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- TurnipsSeedsJun, Aug
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsJun
Central North Carolina
47 crops with summer planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsAug
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsJun, Jul
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsJun, Jul
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- BeetsSeedsJul, Aug
- BroccoliTransplantsAug
- Brussels sproutsTransplantsJul, Aug
- CabbageTransplantsJul, Aug
- Cabbage, ChineseSeedsAug
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- CarrotsSeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsAug
- CeleryTransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- DillSeedsAug
- EggplantTransplantsJun, Aug
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsJul, Aug
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsJun, Aug
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsJun, Aug
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsJun
- Lettuce, headSeedsAug
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsAug
- Mustard greensSeedsJun, Aug
- OkraSeedsAug
- Onions, bulbSeedsAug
- Onions, greenTransplantsAug
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsAug
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsAug
- ParsnipsSeedsAug
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsAug
- Peas, field/southernSeedsJun, Aug
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsAug
- PeppersTransplantsJun, Aug
- PumpkinSeedsJun, Jul
- RadishesSeedsJun, Aug
- RutabagaSeedsJul, Aug
- SpinachSeedsJun, Aug
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- Sweet potatoesTransplantsJun, Jul
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsAug
- TomatoesTransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- TurnipsSeedsJun, Aug
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsJun
Western North Carolina
46 crops with summer planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsAug
- BasilSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Beans, lima (bush)SeedsJun
- Beans, lima (pole)SeedsJun
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsJun, Jul
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsJun, Jul
- BeetsSeedsJul
- BroccoliTransplantsJul, Aug
- Brussels sproutsTransplantsJul
- CabbageTransplantsJul, Aug
- Cabbage, ChineseSeeds, TransplantsAug
- Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- CarrotsSeedsJul, Aug
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsJul, Aug
- CeleryTransplantsJun
- CilantroSeedsJun
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- CucumbersSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- DillSeedsAug
- EggplantTransplantsJun, Jul
- Fennel, FlorenceSeedsJul, Aug
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsAug
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Lettuce, headSeedsJul, Aug
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsJul, Aug
- Mustard greensSeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- OkraSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Onions, bulbSeedsAug
- Onions, greenTransplantsAug
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsAug
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul, Aug
- ParsnipsSeedsJun, Jul, Aug
- Peas, field/southernSeedsJun
- PeppersTransplantsJun
- PumpkinSeedsJun
- RadishesSeedsAug
- RutabagaSeedsJul, Aug
- SpinachSeedsAug
- Squash, summerSeeds, TransplantsJun, Jul
- Squash, winterSeeds, TransplantsJun
- Sweet cornSeedsJun
- Sweet potatoesTransplantsJun
- TomatoesTransplantsJun
- TurnipsSeedsJul, Aug
- WatermelonSeeds, TransplantsJun
Fall planting (Sep, Oct, Nov)
Well-established cool-season crops keep growing through cold temperatures and sometimes even moderate freezes.[4]
Eastern North Carolina
31 crops with fall planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsSep, Oct
- AsparagusCrownsNov
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsSep, Oct
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsSep, Oct
- BeetsSeedsSep
- BroccoliTransplantsSep
- CabbageTransplantsSep
- Cabbage, ChineseTransplantsSep, Oct
- CarrotsSeedsSep
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsSep
- CilantroSeedsSep, Oct
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsSep
- DillSeedsSep
- GarlicBulbsSep, Oct, Nov
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsSep, Oct
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Lettuce, headSeeds, TransplantsSep, Oct
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsSep, Oct
- Mustard greensSeedsSep, Oct
- Onions, bulbSeedsSep, Oct, Nov
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsSep
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsSep, Oct
- ParsnipsSeedsSep, Oct
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsSep, Oct
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsSep
- RadishesSeedsSep
- RutabagaSeedsSep
- SpinachSeedsSep, Oct
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsSep
- TurnipsSeedsSep
Central North Carolina
30 crops with fall planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsSep
- Beans, snap (bush)SeedsSep
- Beans, snap (pole)SeedsSep
- BeetsSeedsSep
- BroccoliTransplantsSep
- CabbageTransplantsSep
- Cabbage, ChineseTransplantsSep, Oct
- CarrotsSeedsSep
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsSep
- CilantroSeedsSep
- Collard greensSeeds, TransplantsSep
- DillSeedsSep
- GarlicBulbsSep, Oct, Nov
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsSep
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Lettuce, headSeeds, TransplantsSep, Oct
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Mustard greensSeedsSep
- Onions, bulbSeedsSep, Oct, Nov
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsSep
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsSep
- ParsnipsSeedsSep
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsSep
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsSep
- RadishesSeedsSep
- RutabagaSeedsSep
- SpinachSeedsSep, Oct
- Swiss chardSeeds, TransplantsSep
- TurnipsSeedsSep
Western North Carolina
6 crops with fall planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsSep
- AsparagusCrownsNov
- GarlicBulbsSep, Oct, Nov
- Mustard greensSeedsSep
- Onions, greenSeeds, TransplantsSep
- Pac choi (bok choy)TransplantsSep
Winter planting (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Cold-hardy crops planted in fall, such as collards, kale, turnip greens, spinach, and Swiss chard, may live through the winter, or go dormant and grow again in early spring. A cold frame or frost cloth can extend the season, and many of these crops bolt quickly in spring.[4]
Eastern North Carolina
26 crops with winter planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsFeb
- AsparagusCrownsDec, Feb
- BroccoliTransplantsFeb
- CabbageTransplantsFeb
- CarrotsSeedsFeb
- CauliflowerTransplantsFeb
- CeleryTransplantsFeb
- CilantroSeedsFeb
- Collard greensTransplantsFeb
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- Lettuce, headSeedsFeb
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- Mustard greensSeedsFeb
- Onions, bulbSeedsDec, Jan, Feb
- Onions, greenSeedsFeb
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsFeb
- ParsnipsSeedsFeb
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsJan, Feb
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsJan, Feb
- Potatoes, IrishTubersFeb
- RadishesSeedsFeb
- RutabagaSeedsFeb
- SpinachSeedsFeb
- TurnipsSeedsFeb
Central North Carolina
26 crops with winter planting dates
- ArugulaSeedsFeb
- AsparagusCrownsFeb
- BroccoliTransplantsFeb
- CabbageTransplantsFeb
- CarrotsSeedsFeb
- CauliflowerSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- CeleryTransplantsFeb
- CilantroSeedsFeb
- Collard greensTransplantsFeb
- KaleSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- KohlrabiSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- LeeksSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- Lettuce, headSeedsFeb
- Lettuce, leafSeeds, TransplantsFeb
- Mustard greensSeedsFeb
- Onions, bulbSeedsDec, Jan, Feb
- Onions, greenSeedsFeb
- ParsleySeeds, TransplantsFeb
- ParsnipsSeedsFeb
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsJan, Feb
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsJan, Feb
- Potatoes, IrishTubersFeb
- RadishesSeedsFeb
- RutabagaSeedsFeb
- SpinachSeedsFeb
- TurnipsSeedsFeb
Western North Carolina
5 crops with winter planting dates
- AsparagusCrownsDec
- Onions, bulbSeedsFeb
- Onions, greenSeedsFeb
- Peas, bush (English)SeedsFeb
- Peas, vining (English)SeedsFeb
Plan the next season
Use the seed-starting calendar to time indoor sowing, and the fall planting guide for late-summer sowings. For exact dates, open your region's full calendar.
Sources
- [1]Eastern North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-02) — NC State Extension. Published June 15, 2016. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Outdoor planting dates, planting methods, days to harvest, and plant spacing for eastern North Carolina. Scope: Eastern North Carolina. The publication does not define county boundaries.
- [2]Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-01) — NC State Extension. Published July 8, 2016. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Outdoor planting dates, planting methods, days to harvest, plant spacing, and the 6–8 week transplant-starting rule for central North Carolina. Scope: Central North Carolina. The publication does not define county boundaries.
- [3]Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs (AG-756-03) — NC State Extension. Published August 4, 2016. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Outdoor planting dates, planting methods, days to harvest, and plant spacing for western North Carolina, plus regional pest-timing advice. Scope: Western North Carolina. The publication does not define county boundaries.
- [4]Extension Gardener Handbook, Chapter 16: Vegetable Gardening — NC State Extension. Published February 1, 2022. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Cool- and warm-season crop groupings, seed-sowing depth, transplant growing times and temperatures (Table 16-3), soil preparation, succession planting, and harvest indicators. Scope: Written for North Carolina and the southeastern United States.