Alabama, US

Planting calendar for Birmingham

Last frost around March 6, first frost around November 30: about 269 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 6
First frost: November 30
Frost-free days: 269

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Parsnip
Celery
Fava bean
Onion
Garlic
Leek
Shallot
Brussels sprout
Mint
Rhubarb

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Birmingham. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Birmingham, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Radish	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Not this month	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Turnip	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Celery	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Pea	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant under cover	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant outdoors and under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Garlic	January: Plant under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Scallion	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow under cover
Shallot	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Broccoli	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Brussels sprout	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Kale	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors Apr 10 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 13 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 6
Under cover: Mar 13 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 10, ready around June 15.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 9 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 4; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 2

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 4
Under cover: Mar 12 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 2
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around July 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 14 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 17 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 6
Under cover: Mar 17 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 14, ready around July 1.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 14 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 4; Under cover Mar 17 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 2

Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 4
Under cover: Mar 17 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 2
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 14, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 9 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 23
Under cover: Mar 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 9 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 19; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 17

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 19
Under cover: Mar 12 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 17
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 9 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 7; Under cover Mar 12 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 7
Under cover: Mar 12 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 9, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 4 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 8; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 10, and Jul 30 to Sep 8
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 7, and Jul 2 to Oct 6
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Feb 11 to May 22, and Jul 30 to Sep 16; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 2 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 22, and Jul 30 to Sep 16
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 19, and Jul 2 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 89 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Feb 11 to May 27, and Jul 30 to Sep 25; Under cover Jan 14 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 27, and Jul 30 to Sep 25
Under cover: Jan 14 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 11, and Jul 30 to Sep 8, and Nov 21 to Dec 31; Under cover Jul 2 to Oct 6, and Oct 24 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 11, and Jul 30 to Sep 8, and Nov 21 to Dec 31
Under cover: Jul 2 to Oct 6, and Oct 24 to May 9
First harvest: About 118 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around May 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Nov 1; Under cover Aug 1 to Nov 29, and Dec 27 to May 22

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Nov 1
Under cover: Aug 1 to Nov 29, and Dec 27 to May 22
First harvest: About 30 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around February 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Jan 24 to Mar 21, and Aug 6 to Sep 17, and Dec 23 to Dec 31; Under cover Jul 9 to Oct 15, and Nov 25 to Dec 3, and Dec 23 to Apr 18

Plant outdoors: Jan 24 to Mar 21, and Aug 6 to Sep 17, and Dec 23 to Dec 31
Under cover: Jul 9 to Oct 15, and Nov 25 to Dec 3, and Dec 23 to Apr 18
First harvest: About 96 days after planting. Planted on January 24, ready around April 30.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Jan 24 to May 2, and Aug 23 to Oct 7; Under cover Jul 26 to Nov 4, and Dec 27 to May 30

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to May 2, and Aug 23 to Oct 7
Under cover: Jul 26 to Nov 4, and Dec 27 to May 30
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around March 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Jan 31 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 4; Under cover Jan 3 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 1

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 4
Under cover: Jan 3 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 1
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 31; Under cover Aug 7 to Nov 28, and Dec 27 to May 14

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 31
Under cover: Aug 7 to Nov 28, and Dec 27 to May 14
First harvest: About 47 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around March 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 11 to Oct 7; Under cover Jan 14 to Nov 4

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Oct 7
Under cover: Jan 14 to Nov 4
First harvest: About 57 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 31; Under cover Aug 7 to Nov 28, and Dec 27 to May 14

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 31
Under cover: Aug 7 to Nov 28, and Dec 27 to May 14
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around March 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Aug 6 to Sep 15, and Nov 13 to Mar 13; Under cover Jul 9 to Apr 10

Sow outdoors: Aug 6 to Sep 15, and Nov 13 to Mar 13
Under cover: Jul 9 to Apr 10
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on August 6, ready around October 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Apr 4 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to May 20, and Jul 30 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 7 to Jun 17, and Jul 2 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 4 to Jun 4, and Jul 30 to Sep 21; Under cover Mar 7 to Oct 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 4 to Jun 4, and Jul 30 to Sep 21
Under cover: Mar 7 to Oct 19
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 4, ready around May 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 9 to Dec 18; Under cover Oct 12 to Jan 15

Sow outdoors: Nov 9 to Dec 18
Under cover: Oct 12 to Jan 15
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 9, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Sep 18; Under cover Aug 1 to Oct 16, and Dec 27 to May 22

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Sep 18
Under cover: Aug 1 to Oct 16, and Dec 27 to May 22
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around April 13.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Jul 30 to Sep 24, and Oct 23 to Mar 4; Under cover Jul 2 to Apr 1

Plant outdoors: Jul 30 to Sep 24, and Oct 23 to Mar 4
Under cover: Jul 2 to Apr 1
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on July 30, ready around October 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 9 to Dec 31; Under cover Oct 12 to Jan 28

Plant outdoors: Nov 9 to Dec 31
Under cover: Oct 12 to Jan 28
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 9, ready around July 17.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Jan 24 to May 11, and Jul 30 to Dec 31; Under cover Jul 2 to Jun 8

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to May 11, and Jul 30 to Dec 31
Under cover: Jul 2 to Jun 8
First harvest: About 130 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Dec 27 to Oct 23; Under cover Nov 29 to Nov 20

Sow outdoors: Dec 27 to Oct 23
Under cover: Nov 29 to Nov 20
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on December 27, ready around February 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Jul 30 to Sep 15, and Nov 13 to Mar 27; Under cover Jul 2 to Apr 24

Plant outdoors: Jul 30 to Sep 15, and Nov 13 to Mar 27
Under cover: Jul 2 to Apr 24
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on July 30, ready around October 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Jan 24 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 20, and Dec 5 to Dec 31; Under cover Jul 9 to Oct 18, and Nov 7 to Jun 19

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to May 22, and Aug 6 to Sep 20, and Dec 5 to Dec 31
Under cover: Jul 9 to Oct 18, and Nov 7 to Jun 19
First harvest: About 104 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around May 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Feb 11 to May 12, and Aug 6 to Sep 15; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 9, and Jul 9 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 12, and Aug 6 to Sep 15
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 9, and Jul 9 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 82 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Sep 8, and Dec 4 to Dec 31; Under cover Aug 1 to Aug 11, and Aug 29 to Sep 8, and Sep 26 to Oct 6, and Nov 6 to May 22

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 24, and Aug 29 to Sep 8, and Dec 4 to Dec 31
Under cover: Aug 1 to Aug 11, and Aug 29 to Sep 8, and Sep 26 to Oct 6, and Nov 6 to May 22
First harvest: About 111 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around May 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Jan 24 to Mar 26, and Aug 6 to Dec 31; Under cover Jul 9 to Apr 23

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Mar 26, and Aug 6 to Dec 31
Under cover: Jul 9 to Apr 23
First harvest: About 144 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around June 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Feb 11 to May 27, and Jul 30 to Sep 22; Under cover Jan 14 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 27, and Jul 30 to Sep 22
Under cover: Jan 14 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 74 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 26.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Feb 23 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 19; Under cover Jan 26 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 16

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 19
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 16
First harvest: About 43 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Mar 6 to Jun 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 25; Under cover Feb 6 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Mar 6 to Jun 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 25
Under cover: Feb 6 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on March 6, ready around April 26.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Jan 24 to Oct 9; Under cover Dec 27 to Nov 6

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Oct 9
Under cover: Dec 27 to Nov 6
First harvest: About 75 days after sowing. Sown on January 24, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 19; Under cover Jan 14 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 16

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 16, and Sep 4 to Oct 19
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 14, and Aug 7 to Nov 16
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 31.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Jan 24 to Apr 11, and Jul 30 to Sep 21; Under cover Jul 2 to Oct 19, and Dec 27 to May 9

Sow outdoors: Jan 24 to Apr 11, and Jul 30 to Sep 21
Under cover: Jul 2 to Oct 19, and Dec 27 to May 9
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Feb 11 to Dec 15; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Dec 15
Under cover: all year
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Jan 24 to Mar 26, and Jul 30 to Sep 20; Under cover Jul 2 to Oct 18, and Dec 27 to Apr 23

Plant outdoors: Jan 24 to Mar 26, and Jul 30 to Sep 20
Under cover: Jul 2 to Oct 18, and Dec 27 to Apr 23
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Dec 1 to Jan 12; Under cover Nov 3 to Feb 9

Plant outdoors: Dec 1 to Jan 12
Under cover: Nov 3 to Feb 9
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Nov 19 to Jan 12; Under cover Oct 22 to Feb 9

Plant outdoors: Nov 19 to Jan 12
Under cover: Oct 22 to Feb 9
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Birmingham

When is the last frost in Birmingham?

On average around March 6, and the first autumn frost comes around November 30. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Birmingham?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 10 to May 5, and Jul 30 to Sep 6, or under cover Mar 13 to Jun 2, and Jul 2 to Oct 4.

What can I sow in Birmingham in November?

Outdoors: parsnip, celery, fava bean, onion, garlic, leek, shallot, Brussels sprout, mint, rhubarb. Under cover: radish, spinach, arugula, scallion, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, cilantro, raspberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Birmingham. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work