When to Plant in Nashville, TN

Nashville sits in Middle Tennessee — Zone 7a with a typical last frost around April 15. The city's location in a basin between ridges creates a moderate climate with hot, humid summers and occasional winter freezes.

Nashville gardeners enjoy two full growing seasons: spring (March–June) and fall (August–November). Fall is often considered superior — fewer pests, moderate temperatures, and excellent production of broccoli, kale, lettuce, and root vegetables.

What to plant now in Nashville

Spring: Cool-season crops in March; tomatoes, peppers, and beans after April 3.
Summer: Maintain warm-season crops. July heat is intense.
Fall: Outstanding — broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, spinach, and fall beans.
Winter: Garlic, overwintering greens, and seed starting in late February.

In Nashville (186 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 Nashville

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors. Plan garden layout.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Direct sow cold-hardy greens outside.
March	Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce. Transplant cold-hardy seedlings.
April	After April 15 last frost — transplant tomatoes and peppers. Plant beans and squash.
May	Full warm-season 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. Row cover for frost protection.
December	Harvest cold-hardy greens. Plan next year.

Frost dates for Nashville ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
37211	April 13	October 22	7b
37217	April 13	October 22	7b
37214	April 15	October 18	7b
37205	April 15	October 18	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Nashville, TN?

Nashville's average last frost date is around April 15. Start warm-season seeds indoors in mid-February and transplant outdoors after early April.

What grows best in Nashville?

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans thrive in spring. Fall is outstanding for broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and spinach — often Nashville's best growing season.

Is fall better than spring in Nashville?

Many Nashville gardeners prefer fall — fewer pests, moderate temperatures, and excellent cool-season crop production from August through November.

How does Plan My Garden help Nashville gardeners?

Enter your Nashville zip code for a personalized week-by-week planting schedule tuned to Middle Tennessee's growing calendar.