North Carolina, US

Planting calendar for Durham

Last frost around March 15, first frost around November 26: about 256 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 15
First frost: November 26
Frost-free days: 256

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Leek
Brussels sprout
Rhubarb

Under cover

Parsnip
Radish
Spinach
Arugula
Celery
Onion
Shallot
Mint
Raspberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Durham. 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 Durham, 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 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: Not this month	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
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: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
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: 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
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 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 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 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 outdoors and 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 outdoors and 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 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 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: Sow under cover	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 19 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 22 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: Apr 19 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 27
Under cover: Mar 22 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 19, ready around June 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 18 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 21 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 26
Under cover: Mar 21 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around July 11.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 23 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 26 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 26 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 23, ready around July 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 23 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 26; Under cover Mar 26 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 23

Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 26
Under cover: Mar 26 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 23
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 23, ready around July 22.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 18 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 14; Under cover Mar 21 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 14
Under cover: Mar 21 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 30.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 18 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 10; Under cover Mar 21 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 10
Under cover: Mar 21 to Oct 8
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 18 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 21 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 18 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 21 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 13 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 30; Under cover Mar 16 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 27

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to May 19, and Jul 26 to Aug 30
Under cover: Mar 16 to Jun 16, and Jun 28 to Sep 27
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 12.
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 Sep 1; Under cover Jan 26 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 3, and Jul 26 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 26 to Sep 29
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 12 to Apr 30, and Jul 26 to Aug 15, and Dec 13 to Dec 19; Under cover Jan 10 to May 28, and Jun 28 to Sep 12, and Nov 15 to Nov 21, and Dec 13 to Dec 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 30, and Jul 26 to Aug 15, and Dec 13 to Dec 19
Under cover: Jan 10 to May 28, and Jun 28 to Sep 12, and Nov 15 to Nov 21, and Dec 13 to Dec 19
First harvest: About 106 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around May 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Feb 12 to May 2, and Aug 19 to Oct 22; Under cover Jan 15 to May 30, and Jul 22 to Nov 19

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to May 2, and Aug 19 to Oct 22
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 30, and Jul 22 to Nov 19
First harvest: About 26 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around March 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Feb 12 to Apr 9, and Jul 26 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 15 to May 7, and Jun 28 to Sep 29

Plant outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 9, and Jul 26 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 7, and Jun 28 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 84 days after planting. Planted on February 12, ready around May 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Feb 12 to May 10, and Aug 12 to Sep 26; Under cover Jan 15 to Jun 7, and Jul 15 to Oct 24

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to May 10, and Aug 12 to Sep 26
Under cover: Jan 15 to Jun 7, and Jul 15 to Oct 24
First harvest: About 53 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around April 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Feb 15 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Sep 22; Under cover Jan 18 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Oct 20

Sow outdoors: Feb 15 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Sep 22
Under cover: Jan 18 to May 22, and Jul 29 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 12 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 19; Under cover Jan 15 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 16

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 19
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 16
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, 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 12 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 20; Under cover Jan 15 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 17

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 20
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 17
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around March 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Feb 1 to Apr 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 20, and Dec 9 to Dec 29; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 17, and Nov 11 to Apr 30

Sow outdoors: Feb 1 to Apr 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 20, and Dec 9 to Dec 29
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 17, and Nov 11 to Apr 30
First harvest: About 109 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, 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 13 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to May 29, and Jul 26 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 16 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 8.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 13 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Sep 12; Under cover Mar 16 to Oct 10

Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to Jun 13, and Jul 26 to Sep 12
Under cover: Mar 16 to Oct 10
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 13, ready around June 1.
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 12 to May 2, and Aug 19 to Sep 7; Under cover Jan 15 to May 30, and Jul 22 to Aug 10, and Aug 19 to Sep 7, and Sep 16 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to May 2, and Aug 19 to Sep 7
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 30, and Jul 22 to Aug 10, and Aug 19 to Sep 7, and Sep 16 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around April 22.
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 17, and Nov 27 to Dec 22; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 14, and Oct 30 to Apr 28

Plant outdoors: Feb 8 to Mar 31, and Jul 26 to Aug 17, and Nov 27 to Dec 22
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 14, and Oct 30 to Apr 28
First harvest: About 114 days after planting. Planted on February 8, ready around June 2.
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 12 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 9, and Oct 22 to Dec 19; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to May 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 9, and Oct 22 to Dec 19
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 119 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Feb 1 to Oct 7; Under cover Jan 4 to Nov 4

Sow outdoors: Feb 1 to Oct 7
Under cover: Jan 4 to Nov 4
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on February 1, ready around April 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Jul 26 to Aug 20, and Dec 9 to Mar 30; Under cover Jun 28 to Sep 17, and Nov 11 to Apr 27

Plant outdoors: Jul 26 to Aug 20, and Dec 9 to Mar 30
Under cover: Jun 28 to Sep 17, 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 12 to Jun 1, and Jul 26 to Sep 1; Under cover Jan 15 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Jun 1, and Jul 26 to Sep 1
Under cover: Jan 15 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 92 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, 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 2; Under cover Jan 26 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to May 24, and Jul 26 to Sep 2
Under cover: Jan 26 to Sep 30
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 12 to May 2; Under cover Jan 15 to May 30

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to May 2
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 30
First harvest: About 99 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, 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 12 to Apr 14, and Jul 26 to Dec 19; Under cover Jun 28 to May 12

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 14, and Jul 26 to Dec 19
Under cover: Jun 28 to May 12
First harvest: About 135 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, 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 10; Under cover Jan 26 to Oct 8

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Jun 8, and Jul 26 to Sep 10
Under cover: Jan 26 to Oct 8
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 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 9; Under cover Feb 5 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 6

Sow outdoors: Mar 5 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 9
Under cover: Feb 5 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 6
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 15 to Jun 14, and Jul 26 to Sep 16; Under cover Feb 15 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Mar 15 to Jun 14, and Jul 26 to Sep 16
Under cover: Feb 15 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on March 15, ready around May 2.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Feb 12 to Sep 25; Under cover Jan 15 to Oct 23

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Sep 25
Under cover: Jan 15 to Oct 23
First harvest: About 65 days after sowing. Sown on February 12, ready around April 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 23 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 8; Under cover Jan 26 to May 22, and Jul 29 to Nov 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 23 to Apr 24, and Aug 26 to Oct 8
Under cover: Jan 26 to May 22, and Jul 29 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 12 to Apr 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 9; Under cover Jan 15 to May 28, and Jun 28 to Oct 7

Sow outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 30, and Jul 26 to Sep 9
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 28, and Jun 28 to Oct 7
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 12 to Apr 14, and Jul 26 to Sep 6; Under cover Jan 15 to May 12, and Jun 28 to Oct 4

Plant outdoors: Feb 12 to Apr 14, and Jul 26 to Sep 6
Under cover: Jan 15 to May 12, 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 27 to Jan 14; Under cover Oct 30 to Feb 11

Plant outdoors: Nov 27 to Jan 14
Under cover: Oct 30 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 15 to Jan 3; Under cover Oct 18 to Jan 31

Plant outdoors: Nov 15 to Jan 3
Under cover: Oct 18 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 Durham

When is the last frost in Durham?

On average around March 15, and the first autumn frost comes around November 26. 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 Durham?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 19 to May 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 27, or under cover Mar 22 to Jun 11, and Jun 28 to Sep 24.

What can I sow in Durham in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, leek, Brussels sprout, rhubarb. Under cover: parsnip, 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 Durham. 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