When to Plant in Wilmington, DE

Wilmington, Delaware, experiences a median last spring frost date of April 10 and a median first fall frost date of October 30, providing approximately 203 days of frost-free growing time. This climate, characterized by a humid temperate microclimate, enables a wide variety of crops to flourish during the growing season, creating a vibrant gardening landscape for local enthusiasts.

In this humid temperate (4 distinct seasons) climate, gardens thrive with crops that can handle the summer heat and the well-distributed rainfall. Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash excel due to the warm growing season and ample moisture. However, crops like eggplants and certain varieties of leafy greens may struggle due to the hot and humid summer conditions that can lead to disease or poor growth.

What to plant now in Wilmington

Spring: As the last frost date of April 10 approaches, begin planting cool-weather crops like peas, lettuce, and spinach in March. After the frost, transition to warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers starting in late April.
Summer: Throughout the summer months, focus on maintaining your gardens and harvesting crops that thrive, such as cucumbers and beans. Keep an eye on heat stress, ensuring adequate watering for your plants during July’s peak.
Fall: As the first fall frost date of October 30 nears, plant hardy vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts from early September. Mid to late October is the time to harvest remaining summer crops and prepare your garden for winter.
Winter: This is a time for planning. Consider what crops you want for the upcoming spring. You can start seeds indoors while ensuring perennial plants are well protected from the cold.

In Wilmington (203 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Wilmington

Month	What to do
January	January in Wilmington is often cold and snowy. It's a good time for gardeners to plan their spring gardens. Start organizing seed catalogs and decide which crops you will focus on as the frost-free season approaches.
February	As February progresses, you can start preparing for the upcoming planting season. Check on your stored seeds, clean up gardening tools, and consider starting seeds indoors for transplants.
March	In March, with the last frost date of April 10 approaching, it's time to plant cool-weather crops outdoors. Start sowing peas and direct-seeding lettuce and radishes, as they can handle the cooler temperatures.
April	April is crucial as it contains the median last frost date of April 10. Make sure to monitor nighttime temperatures, continuing to plant cool-weather crops early in the month and transitioning to warm-season plants as nights become frost-free.
May	May brings warmer temperatures, ideal for planting your warm-season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. After April's last frost, it's safe to set transplants into the garden and start regular watering routines.
June	June signals the peak of the growing season. Maintain consistent watering for your crops, as the heat increases. It's also time to control pests and weeds that may affect summer plants like squash and beans.
July	In July, stress from heat can impact plants. Continue to provide water regularly. Harvest crops like cucumbers and beans when they reach maturity. This month is key for keeping plants healthy and productive.
August	August is typically the hottest month of the year. Monitor moisture levels closely and prepare for fall planting. As summer crops mature, you can also begin sowing seeds for fall crops like kale.
September	As temperatures begin to drop in September, it's an excellent time to plant fall crops. Begin sowing hardy vegetables like Brussels sprouts and other cool-weather crops to maximize your growing season before the first frost.
October	October is when you prepare for the first fall frost date of October 30. Harvest any remaining summer crops early in the month and safeguard newly planted fall crops as the nights cool down.
November	In November, the gardening focus shifts predominantly to clean-up. Remove debris from the garden and prepare it for winter. It's essential to protect perennial plants and clean tools for the next spring.
December	December is the heart of winter. Reflect on the past season and make plans for next year. Start listing desired seeds and crops while ensuring your gardening area is properly winterized.

Frost dates for Wilmington ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
19805	April 10	October 30	7b
19802	April 10	October 30	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Wilmington?

The last frost in Wilmington typically occurs around April 10, marking the end of the cold season and allowing for the planting of warm-weather crops.

What vegetables grow best in Wilmington?

Tomatoes, peppers, and squash are among the best-suited vegetables for Wilmington's humid temperate climate, thriving in the warm summers and well-watered soils.

When should I plant tomatoes in Wilmington?

Tomatoes should ideally be planted outdoors after April 10 to avoid frost, with transplants ideally set out in late April or early May.

Can I garden year-round in Wilmington?

While Wilmington has a robust growing season, winter gardening is limited. However, certain crops can be grown in the fall and spring, and with season extension techniques, gardening can be year-round.

How does Plan My Garden help Wilmington gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice, planting schedules, and resource guidance specifically designed for Wilmington gardeners, helping them optimize their gardening experiences.

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