When to Plant in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh is in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont — Zone 7b with a typical last frost around April 4. The Triangle area offers four genuine seasons with hot, humid summers, mild springs and falls, and occasional winter snow and ice.

Raleigh's climate is excellent for two full growing seasons: spring (March–June) and fall (August–November). Fall is often considered the better season, with fewer pests, moderate temperatures, and excellent crops of kale, broccoli, lettuce, and root vegetables.

What to plant now in Raleigh

Spring: Cool-season crops in March; tomatoes, peppers, and beans after April 7.
Summer: Maintain warm-season crops. Water consistently during heat.
Fall: Outstanding — plant broccoli, kale, lettuce, and carrots for October–November harvest.
Winter: Garlic overwintering, cover crops, and seed starting in late February.

In Raleigh (207 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 Raleigh

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors. Plan garden beds.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Direct sow cold-tolerant greens outside.
March	Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce. Transplant cold-hardy crops.
April	After April 4 last frost — transplant warm-season crops. Plant beans and squash.
May	Full spring garden. Plant cucumbers and corn.
June	Summer maintenance. Water deeply.
July	Start fall seedlings indoors. Harvest summer crops.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Direct sow carrots.
September	Fall planting: lettuce, spinach, radishes.
October	Continue fall planting. Plant garlic.
November	Harvest fall crops. Use row cover for frost protection.
December	Harvest cold-hardy greens. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Raleigh ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
27610	April 4	November 2	8a
27609	April 4	October 28	8a

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh's average last frost date is around April 4. Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors in early February and transplant outdoors after early April.

What vegetables grow best in Raleigh?

Raleigh is excellent for tomatoes, peppers, and squash in summer. Fall shines for kale, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, and spinach — often producing better than spring.

Is fall better than spring in Raleigh?

Many Raleigh gardeners prefer fall — fewer pest problems, moderate temperatures, and outstanding cool-season crop production from August through November.

When should I plant tomatoes in Raleigh?

Start seeds indoors late February. Transplant outdoors after April 7. Choose disease-resistant varieties suited to NC's humid summers.

How does Plan My Garden help Raleigh gardeners?

Enter your Raleigh zip code for exact planting dates based on your local frost data — including a personalized fall planting calendar.