North Carolina · Mountains

Western North Carolina planting calendar

The mountain region, where higher elevations bring later spring freezes, earlier fall freezes, and a noticeably shorter planting calendar.

Last reviewed October 11, 2026 by GardenSproutly against the sources listed on this page.

About this calendar

This calendar follows NC State Extension's planting calendar for western North Carolina (AG-756-03), which broadly covers the mountains. Spring planting starts later and fall planting ends earlier than in the central and eastern calendars. For example, the first recommended tomato transplanting date is May 1, compared with April 15 in central and eastern North Carolina.^[1]

Elevation matters a great deal. Average last spring freeze dates at the mountain stations listed below range from mid-April to mid-May.

Freeze dates nearby

Average dates of the last spring and first fall 32°F freeze^[2]. Use the station closest to your garden in elevation and location.

Average freeze dates for Western North Carolina weather stations
Station (county)	Elevation	Avg. last spring freeze	Avg. first fall freeze
Asheville Airport (Buncombe)Records 1946–2019	2,117 ft	April 20	October 17
Franklin (Macon)Records 1946–2019	2,125 ft	April 29	October 14
Boone 1 SE (Watauga)Records 1980–2019	3,360 ft	May 1	October 14
Banner Elk (Avery)Records 1907–2019	3,770 ft	May 12	October 3

Before you plant

Frost dates vary with elevation and with which side of a mountain your garden is on. South-facing sites warm sooner than north-facing slopes, and low-lying frost pockets are prone to late frosts.^[3]
Average dates are only averages. In the Asheville area, a hard frost can come at least 10 days either side of the average, so Buncombe County Extension recommends waiting until around Mother's Day to plant tender crops such as tomatoes and peppers.^[3]
Few annual plants thrive in both cold and hot conditions, so choose cool-season plants for spring and fall and warm-season plants for summer. With the exception of beans, which are susceptible to stem rot in cold weather, starting early helps you avoid the insect and disease pressure that builds late in the season.^[1]
Cool-season crops tolerate some frost and suit spring and fall. Warm-season crops are generally planted after the last frost date.^[4]

Planting chart

Each square is one date column in the NC State Extension chart: the 1st or the 15th of the month. Dates are for planting outdoors. For transplants, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the transplant date.^[1]

On small screens, scroll the chart sideways. Every row also lists its planting dates in text.

SSow seeds outdoors
TSet out transplants
BPlant bulbs or cloves
CPlant crowns
TuPlant tubers

Cool-season vegetables

Cool-season vegetables: Western North Carolina planting chart
Crop and planting windows		Mar		Apr		May		Jun		Jul		Aug		Sep		Days to harvest	Spacing (in.)
BeetsSeeds: Apr 1 – May 1; Jul 1 – Jul 15				S	S	S				S	S					55–60	2
BroccoliTransplants: Apr 15 – May 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1					T	T	T				T	T				T = 70–80	18
Brussels sproutsTransplants: Jul 1 – Jul 15. Start seeds indoors										T	T					T = 40–50; S = 90–100	14–18
CabbageTransplants: Mar 1 – Apr 1; Jul 1 – Aug 1. Start seeds indoors		T	T	T						T	T	T				T = 63–75; S = 90–120	12
CarrotsSeeds: Mar 1 – May 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1		S	S	S	S	S	S				S	S				75–80	2
CauliflowerSeeds: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1. Transplants: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1				ST	ST						ST	ST				T = 55–65; S = 85–95	18
Collard greensSeeds: Apr 1 – Aug 1. Transplants: Apr 1 – Aug 1				ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST				T = 32–72; S = 60–100	18
KaleSeeds: Mar 15 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15. Transplants: Mar 15 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15			ST	ST	ST							ST	ST			T = 14–22; S = 40–50	6
KohlrabiSeeds: Apr 1 – Jun 1; Jul 15 – Aug 1. Transplants: Apr 1 – Jun 1; Jul 15 – Aug 1				ST	ST	ST	ST	ST			ST	ST				T = 22–32; S = 50–60	4
Lettuce, headSeeds: Mar 15 – Apr 15; Jul 15 – Aug 15			S	S	S						S	S	S			T = 45–60; S = 70–85	10
Lettuce, leafSeeds: Mar 15 – Apr 1; Jul 15 – Aug 15. Transplants: Mar 15 – Apr 1; Jul 15 – Aug 15			ST	ST							ST	ST	ST			T = 15–25; S = 40–50	6
Mustard greensSeeds: Mar 15 – Jun 15; Jul 15 – Sep 1			S	S	S	S	S	S	S		S	S	S	S		30–40	2
Onions, bulbSeeds: Feb 15 – Mar 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15. Bulbs: Mar 1 – Mar 15	S	SB	SB									S	S			B = 75–105; S = 90–120	4
Onions, greenSeeds: Feb 15 – Apr 1; around Sep 1. Transplants: Mar 1 – Apr 1; Aug 15 – Sep 15	S	ST	ST	ST									T	ST	T	T = 42–56; S = 60–70	1–2
Peas, bush (English)Seeds: Feb 15 – Apr 1	S	S	S	S												54–60	4
Peas, vining (English)Seeds: Feb 15 – Apr 1	S	S	S	S												54–72	2–3
Potatoes, IrishTubers: Mar 15 – Apr 1			Tu	Tu												Tu = 95–120	10
RadishesSeeds: Mar 1 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15		S	S	S	S							S	S			20–25	1
RutabagaSeeds: Mar 1 – Apr 1; Jul 15 – Aug 1		S	S	S							S	S				70–80	4
SpinachSeeds: Mar 1 – May 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15		S	S	S	S	S	S					S	S			50–60	6
Swiss chardSeeds: Mar 15 – Apr 15. Transplants: Mar 15 – Apr 15			ST	ST	ST											T = 32–42; S = 60–70	6
TurnipsSeeds: Mar 1 – Apr 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1		S	S	S	S						S	S				55–60	2

Warm-season vegetables and melons

Warm-season vegetables and melons: Western North Carolina planting chart
Crop and planting windows		May		Jun		Jul		Days to harvest	Spacing (in.)
Beans, lima (bush)Seeds: May 1 – Jun 1		S	S	S				65–80	6
Beans, lima (pole)Seeds: May 1 – Jun 1		S	S	S				75–95	6
Beans, snap (bush)Seeds: May 1 – Jul 1		S	S	S	S	S		50–55	2
Beans, snap (pole)Seeds: May 1 – Jul 1		S	S	S	S	S		65–70	6
Cantaloupe (muskmelon)Seeds: May 15 – Jul 1. Transplants: May 15 – Jul 1			ST	ST	ST	ST		T = 57–62; S = 85–90	24
CucumbersSeeds: May 15 – Jul 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jul 15			ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	T = 28–37; S = 56–65	12
EggplantTransplants: May 15 – Jul 1. Start seeds indoors			T	T	T	T		T = 90–95; S = 150–155	24
PeppersTransplants: May 15 – Jun 15. Start seeds indoors			T	T	T			T = 75–80; S = 145–150	18
Squash, summerSeeds: May 15 – Jul 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jul 15			ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	T = 30–40; S = 50–60	24
Squash, winterSeeds: May 15 – Jun 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jun 15			ST	ST	ST			T = 42–67; S = 70–95	36
Sweet cornSeeds: Apr 15 – Jun 15	S	S	S	S	S			85–90	12
Sweet potatoesTransplants: Jun 1 – Jun 15				T	T			T = 95–125	10
TomatoesTransplants: May 1 – Jun 15. Start seeds indoors		T	T	T	T			T = 75–85; S = 125–135	18
WatermelonSeeds: May 15 – Jun 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jun 15			ST	ST	ST			T = 60–72; S = 90–100	60

Other vegetables

Other vegetables: Western North Carolina planting chart
Crop and planting windows		Apr		May		Jun		Jul		Aug		Sep		Oct		Nov		Dec		Days to harvest	Spacing (in.)
Artichokes, globeTransplants: Mar 15 – Apr 15	T	T	T																	T = 1 year	30
Artichokes, JerusalemTubers: Mar 15 – Apr 15	Tu	Tu	Tu																	Tu = 6–8 months	9–12
ArugulaSeeds: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Sep 15		S	S							S	S	S	S							40–50	6–9
AsparagusCrowns: Mar 15 – May 1; Nov 15 – Dec 15	C	C	C	C													C	C	C	C = 2 years	18
Cabbage, ChineseSeeds: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15. Transplants: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15		ST	ST							ST	ST									T = 45–55; S = 75–85	12
CeleryTransplants: Apr 15 – Jun 15. Start seeds indoors			T	T	T	T	T													T = 40–70; S = 120–150	6–8
Fennel, FlorenceSeeds: Apr 1 – Apr 15; Jul 15 – Aug 1		S	S						S	S										60–90	6–12
GarlicBulbs: Sep 1 – Nov 1												B	B	B	B	B				B = 180–210	4–6
LeeksSeeds: Apr 1 – Jul 15. Transplants: Apr 1 – Jul 15		ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST											T = 50–80; S = 120–150	4
OkraSeeds: May 15 – Jul 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jul 15					ST	ST	ST	ST	ST											T = 18–28; S = 60–70	12
Pac choi (bok choy)Transplants: around Mar 15; Aug 15 – Sep 15. Start seeds indoors	T										T	T	T							T = 30–75; S = 45–90	7–12
ParsnipsSeeds: Apr 1 – Aug 1		S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S										100–130	3–4
Peas, field/southernSeeds: May 1 – Jun 15				S	S	S	S													55–65	4
PumpkinSeeds: May 15 – Jun 15					S	S	S													115–120	48

Herbs and other crops

Herbs and other crops: Western North Carolina planting chart
Crop and planting windows		Apr		May		Jun		Jul		Aug		Days to harvest	Spacing (in.)
BasilSeeds: May 15 – Jul 15. Transplants: May 15 – Jul 15					ST	ST	ST	ST	ST			T = 14–35; S = 50–75	2–8
CilantroSeeds: Apr 1 – Jun 15		S	S	S	S	S	S					50–55	2–4
DillSeeds: Apr 1 – May 1; Aug 1 – Aug 15		S	S	S						S	S	40–55	2–4
ParsleySeeds: Apr 1 – Aug 1. Transplants: Apr 1 – Aug 1		ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST	ST		T = 33; S = 75	9–12
PeanutsSeeds: May 1 – May 15				S	S							145–160	6–8
SunflowerSeeds: Mar 15 – May 1	S	S	S	S								55–110	9–24

Cool- and warm-season groupings follow the Extension Gardener Handbook^[4]. Crops it doesn't classify are listed separately.

What to plant each month in Western North Carolina

Crops with a recommended planting date on the 1st or 15th of each month.

January · 0 crops

No outdoor plantings are listed for January.

February · 4 crops

Onions, bulb (seeds)
Onions, green (seeds)
Peas, bush (English) (seeds)
Peas, vining (English) (seeds)

March · 21 crops

Artichokes, globe (transplants)
Artichokes, Jerusalem (tubers)
Asparagus (crowns)
Cabbage (transplants)
Carrots (seeds)
Kale (seeds, transplants)
Lettuce, head (seeds)
Lettuce, leaf (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Onions, bulb (seeds, bulbs)
Onions, green (seeds, transplants)
Pac choi (bok choy) (transplants)
Peas, bush (English) (seeds)
Peas, vining (English) (seeds)
Potatoes, Irish (tubers)
Radishes (seeds)
Rutabaga (seeds)
Spinach (seeds)
Sunflower (seeds)
Swiss chard (seeds, transplants)
Turnips (seeds)

April · 34 crops

Artichokes, globe (transplants)
Artichokes, Jerusalem (tubers)
Arugula (seeds)
Asparagus (crowns)
Beets (seeds)
Broccoli (transplants)
Cabbage (transplants)
Cabbage, Chinese (seeds, transplants)
Carrots (seeds)
Cauliflower (seeds, transplants)
Celery (transplants)
Cilantro (seeds)
Collard greens (seeds, transplants)
Dill (seeds)
Fennel, Florence (seeds)
Kale (seeds, transplants)
Kohlrabi (seeds, transplants)
Leeks (seeds, transplants)
Lettuce, head (seeds)
Lettuce, leaf (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Onions, green (seeds, transplants)
Parsley (seeds, transplants)
Parsnips (seeds)
Peas, bush (English) (seeds)
Peas, vining (English) (seeds)
Potatoes, Irish (tubers)
Radishes (seeds)
Rutabaga (seeds)
Spinach (seeds)
Sunflower (seeds)
Sweet corn (seeds)
Swiss chard (seeds, transplants)
Turnips (seeds)

May · 33 crops

Asparagus (crowns)
Basil (seeds, transplants)
Beans, lima (bush) (seeds)
Beans, lima (pole) (seeds)
Beans, snap (bush) (seeds)
Beans, snap (pole) (seeds)
Beets (seeds)
Broccoli (transplants)
Cantaloupe (muskmelon) (seeds, transplants)
Carrots (seeds)
Celery (transplants)
Cilantro (seeds)
Collard greens (seeds, transplants)
Cucumbers (seeds, transplants)
Dill (seeds)
Eggplant (transplants)
Kohlrabi (seeds, transplants)
Leeks (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Okra (seeds, transplants)
Parsley (seeds, transplants)
Parsnips (seeds)
Peanuts (seeds)
Peas, field/southern (seeds)
Peppers (transplants)
Pumpkin (seeds)
Spinach (seeds)
Squash, summer (seeds, transplants)
Squash, winter (seeds, transplants)
Sunflower (seeds)
Sweet corn (seeds)
Tomatoes (transplants)
Watermelon (seeds, transplants)

June · 26 crops

Basil (seeds, transplants)
Beans, lima (bush) (seeds)
Beans, lima (pole) (seeds)
Beans, snap (bush) (seeds)
Beans, snap (pole) (seeds)
Cantaloupe (muskmelon) (seeds, transplants)
Celery (transplants)
Cilantro (seeds)
Collard greens (seeds, transplants)
Cucumbers (seeds, transplants)
Eggplant (transplants)
Kohlrabi (seeds, transplants)
Leeks (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Okra (seeds, transplants)
Parsley (seeds, transplants)
Parsnips (seeds)
Peas, field/southern (seeds)
Peppers (transplants)
Pumpkin (seeds)
Squash, summer (seeds, transplants)
Squash, winter (seeds, transplants)
Sweet corn (seeds)
Sweet potatoes (transplants)
Tomatoes (transplants)
Watermelon (seeds, transplants)

July · 25 crops

Basil (seeds, transplants)
Beans, snap (bush) (seeds)
Beans, snap (pole) (seeds)
Beets (seeds)
Broccoli (transplants)
Brussels sprouts (transplants)
Cabbage (transplants)
Cantaloupe (muskmelon) (seeds, transplants)
Carrots (seeds)
Cauliflower (seeds, transplants)
Collard greens (seeds, transplants)
Cucumbers (seeds, transplants)
Eggplant (transplants)
Fennel, Florence (seeds)
Kohlrabi (seeds, transplants)
Leeks (seeds, transplants)
Lettuce, head (seeds)
Lettuce, leaf (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Okra (seeds, transplants)
Parsley (seeds, transplants)
Parsnips (seeds)
Rutabaga (seeds)
Squash, summer (seeds, transplants)
Turnips (seeds)

August · 23 crops

Arugula (seeds)
Broccoli (transplants)
Cabbage (transplants)
Cabbage, Chinese (seeds, transplants)
Carrots (seeds)
Cauliflower (seeds, transplants)
Collard greens (seeds, transplants)
Dill (seeds)
Fennel, Florence (seeds)
Kale (seeds, transplants)
Kohlrabi (seeds, transplants)
Lettuce, head (seeds)
Lettuce, leaf (seeds, transplants)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Onions, bulb (seeds)
Onions, green (transplants)
Pac choi (bok choy) (transplants)
Parsley (seeds, transplants)
Parsnips (seeds)
Radishes (seeds)
Rutabaga (seeds)
Spinach (seeds)
Turnips (seeds)

September · 5 crops

Arugula (seeds)
Garlic (bulbs)
Mustard greens (seeds)
Onions, green (seeds, transplants)
Pac choi (bok choy) (transplants)

October · 1 crops

Garlic (bulbs)

November · 2 crops

Asparagus (crowns)
Garlic (bulbs)

December · 1 crops

Asparagus (crowns)

North Carolina Seed-Starting CalendarWhen to start vegetable seeds indoors in eastern, central, and western North Carolina, counted back from NC State Extension transplant dates.Fall Vegetable Planting in North CarolinaWhat to plant for a fall vegetable garden in eastern, central, and western North Carolina, with NC State Extension dates and late-summer sowing tips.What to Plant in North Carolina by SeasonSpring, summer, fall, and winter planting lists for eastern, central, and western North Carolina, drawn from NC State Extension planting calendars.

Other North Carolina calendars: Eastern North Carolina · Central North Carolina · Compare all regions

Sources

[1]
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.
[2]
Average First and Last Freeze Dates — Table — NC State Extension Gardening and the State Climate Office of North Carolina. Updated October 9, 2026. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Average first fall and last spring freeze dates for North Carolina weather stations. Scope: Individual North Carolina weather stations; station records end in 2019.
[3]
Last Frost in the Garden? — N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center. March 24, 2025. Checked October 11, 2026.
Supports: Frost-date variability (at least 10 days either way), frost pockets, slope aspect, and waiting until around Mother's Day for tender crops in the Asheville area. Scope: Western North Carolina mountains (Asheville area).
[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.