North Carolina, US

Planting calendar for Cary

Last frost around March 17, first frost around November 24: about 252 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 17
First frost: November 24
Frost-free days: 252

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Leek
Brussels sprout
Rhubarb

Under cover

Radish
Spinach
Arugula
Celery
Onion
Shallot
Mint
Raspberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Cary. 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 Cary, 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 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
Chile 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
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Sow 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: Not this month	April: Sow 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
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 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	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 outdoors and 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 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Radish	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: Sow 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: Not this month
Potato	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	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
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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	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 outdoors and 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: 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 outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and 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
Arugula	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 outdoors and 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 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Sow 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 under cover	October: Not this month	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 outdoors and 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 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant 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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Plant 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 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 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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	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: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brussels sprout	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: 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: 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	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 outdoors and 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 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 under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	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 outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chives	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: 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
Mint	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 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: Not this month
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	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 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

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors Apr 21 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 24 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 21 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 27
Under cover: Mar 24 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 21, ready around June 26.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 20 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 23 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 25
Under cover: Mar 23 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 25 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 28 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 27
Under cover: Mar 28 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 25, ready around July 12.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 25 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 28 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: Apr 25 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 25
Under cover: Mar 28 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 25, ready around July 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 20 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 23 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 23 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 41 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 20 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 23 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 9
Under cover: Mar 23 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around June 4.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 20 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 23 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 23 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 15 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 18 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 21, and Jul 26 to Aug 29
Under cover: Mar 18 to Jun 18, and Jun 28 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Feb 23 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 31; Under cover Jan 26 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Aug 31
Under cover: Jan 26 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around May 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Feb 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 14; Under cover Jan 26 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 14
Under cover: Jan 26 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 26 to Aug 15; Under cover Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 28 to Sep 12

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 26 to Aug 15
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 28 to Sep 12
First harvest: About 107 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Feb 11 to May 3, and Aug 18 to Oct 22; Under cover Jan 14 to May 31, and Jul 21 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 3, and Aug 18 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 31, and Jul 21 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 26 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 14 to May 6, and Jun 28 to Sep 29

Plant outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 6, and Jun 28 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 85 days after planting. Planted on February 11, ready around May 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Feb 11 to May 12, and Aug 10 to Sep 26; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 9, and Jul 13 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 12, and Aug 10 to Sep 26
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 9, and Jul 13 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 5.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Feb 15 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Sep 22; Under cover Jan 18 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Feb 15 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Sep 22
Under cover: Jan 18 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Oct 20
First harvest: About 61 days after sowing. Sown on February 15, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 19; Under cover Jan 14 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 16

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 19
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 16
First harvest: About 41 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 23 to Sep 26; Under cover Jan 26 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Sep 26
Under cover: Jan 26 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 20; Under cover Jan 14 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 17

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 20
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 17
First harvest: About 37 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Jan 31 to Apr 1, and Jul 26 to Aug 19, and Dec 9 to Dec 29; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 16, and Nov 11 to Apr 29

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Apr 1, and Jul 26 to Aug 19, and Dec 9 to Dec 29
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 16, and Nov 11 to Apr 29
First harvest: About 110 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Apr 15 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 18 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 18 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 15 to Jun 15, and Jul 26 to Sep 11; Under cover Mar 18 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to Jun 15, and Jul 26 to Sep 11
Under cover: Mar 18 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around June 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 5 to Dec 11; Under cover Oct 8 to Jan 8

Sow outdoors: Nov 5 to Dec 11
Under cover: Oct 8 to Jan 8
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 5, ready around June 13.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Feb 11 to May 3, and Aug 18 to Sep 6; Under cover Jan 14 to May 31, and Jul 21 to Aug 9, and Aug 18 to Sep 6, and Sep 15 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 3, and Aug 18 to Sep 6
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 31, and Jul 21 to Aug 9, and Aug 18 to Sep 6, and Sep 15 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Feb 8 to Mar 31, and Jul 26 to Aug 16, and Nov 28 to Dec 22; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 13, and Oct 31 to Apr 28

Plant outdoors: Feb 8 to Mar 31, and Jul 26 to Aug 16, and Nov 28 to Dec 22
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 13, and Oct 31 to Apr 28
First harvest: About 115 days after planting. Planted on February 8, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 5 to Dec 19; Under cover Oct 8 to Jan 16

Plant outdoors: Nov 5 to Dec 19
Under cover: Oct 8 to Jan 16
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 5, ready around July 13.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Feb 11 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 8, and Oct 23 to Dec 19; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 8, and Oct 23 to Dec 19
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 120 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Jan 31 to Oct 6; Under cover Jan 3 to Nov 3

Sow outdoors: Jan 31 to Oct 6
Under cover: Jan 3 to Nov 3
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on January 31, ready around April 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Jul 26 to Aug 19, and Dec 9 to Mar 30; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 16, and Nov 11 to Apr 27

Plant outdoors: Jul 26 to Aug 19, and Dec 9 to Mar 30
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 16, and Nov 11 to Apr 27
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on July 26, ready around October 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Feb 11 to Jun 4, and Jul 26 to Aug 31; Under cover Jan 14 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Jun 4, and Jul 26 to Aug 31
Under cover: Jan 14 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 93 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Feb 23 to May 24, and Jul 26 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 26 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 24, and Jul 26 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 26 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 77 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around May 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Feb 11 to May 3; Under cover Jan 14 to May 31

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 3
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 31
First harvest: About 100 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 26 to Dec 19; Under cover Jun 28 to May 11

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 26 to Dec 19
Under cover: Jun 28 to May 11
First harvest: About 136 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Feb 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 9; Under cover Jan 26 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 9
Under cover: Jan 26 to Oct 7
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around May 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Mar 5 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 8; Under cover Feb 5 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 5

Sow outdoors: Mar 5 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 8
Under cover: Feb 5 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 5
First harvest: About 41 days after sowing. Sown on March 5, ready around April 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Mar 17 to Jun 16, and Jul 26 to Sep 15; Under cover Feb 17 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Mar 17 to Jun 16, and Jul 26 to Sep 15
Under cover: Feb 17 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on March 17, ready around May 5.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Feb 11 to Sep 24; Under cover Jan 14 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Sep 24
Under cover: Jan 14 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 23 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 8; Under cover Jan 26 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 25, and Aug 25 to Oct 8
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 23, and Jul 28 to Nov 5
First harvest: About 45 days after sowing. Sown on February 23, ready around April 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 8; Under cover Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 28 to Oct 6

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 8
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 28 to Oct 6
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 23 to Nov 2; Under cover Jan 26 to Nov 30

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Nov 2
Under cover: Jan 26 to Nov 30
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 Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 26 to Sep 6; Under cover Jan 14 to May 11, and Jun 28 to Oct 4

Plant outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 26 to Sep 6
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 11, and Jun 28 to Oct 4
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 Nov 26 to Jan 14; Under cover Oct 29 to Feb 11

Plant outdoors: Nov 26 to Jan 14
Under cover: Oct 29 to Feb 11
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 14 to Jan 3; Under cover Oct 17 to Jan 31

Plant outdoors: Nov 14 to Jan 3
Under cover: Oct 17 to Jan 31
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 Cary

When is the last frost in Cary?

On average around March 17, and the first autumn frost comes around November 24. 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 Cary?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 21 to May 16, and Jul 26 to Aug 27, or under cover Mar 24 to Jun 13, and Jun 28 to Sep 24.

What can I sow in Cary in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, leek, Brussels sprout, rhubarb. Under cover: radish, spinach, arugula, celery, onion, shallot, mint, 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 Cary. 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