Tennessee Planting Calendar: Best Times to Plant Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs & Flowers

By Jagdish Reddy | 10+ Years Gardening Experience
Reviewed Against: University of Tennessee Extension • USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023 Update)
Updated: June 2026

Whether you’re growing tomatoes in Memphis or garlic in the mountains of East Tennessee, these planting dates will help you stay on schedule. Tennessee spans USDA Zones 6a through 8a, which means a gardener near Bristol and one near Memphis are working with growing seasons that differ by nearly two months.

This Tennessee vegetable planting guide covers every crop type, every season, and every region, backed by University of Tennessee Extension data and real zone-specific frost dates.

Quick Answer: Tennessee Planting Calendar by Season

Season	What to Plant	Key Window
Spring	Lettuce, peas, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes	Mar – May
Summer	Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, okra, beans	May – Jul
Fall	Kale, cabbage, carrots, spinach, garlic	Aug – Oct
Winter	Garlic (in ground), kale, spinach (cold frame)	Nov – Feb

Most Tennessee gardeners begin planting cool-season vegetables in March and warm-season crops after the last frost in April or May. Exact dates depend on your USDA zone and local frost dates.

Want personalized planting dates based on your location and growing zone? Use the interactive Tennessee Planting Calendar tool below to find the best planting windows for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.

Tennessee Growing Season, Frost Dates and Planting Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones Across Tennessee

Tennessee covers more hardiness zones than most states. The Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian highlands in the east sit in Zone 6a, while the Mississippi River Valley lowlands near Memphis reach Zone 8a.

Your zone sets your frost dates. Your frost dates set your planting windows. Everything in this Tennessee growing guide flows from that starting point.

Region	Zone	Last Spring Frost	First Fall Frost
West TN / Memphis	7b-8a	Mar 23 – Apr 5	Nov 1 – Nov 7
Middle TN / Nashville	7a	Apr 5 – Apr 22	Oct 30 – Nov 1
East TN / Knoxville	6b-7a	Apr 9 – Apr 22	Oct 17 – Oct 30
Tri-Cities / Bristol	6a-6b	Apr 27 – May 3	Oct 4 – Oct 6
Crossville (plateau)	6a	May 10	Oct 4

These dates reflect a 10% frost probability based on University of Tennessee Extension records. Real-world timing shifts by microclimate. A frost pocket in a valley can freeze 2 to 3 weeks earlier than a hillside 500 feet away.

Not sure when your area’s last spring frost or first fall frost occurs? Check your local dates with the frost calculator below before planning your planting schedule.

How Tennessee’s Climate Shapes Your Planting Schedule

Tennessee summers are hot and humid, often exceeding 90 degrees F from late June through August. That heat shuts down cool-season crops fast.

The practical result: two separate growing seasons within one year. A spring window (Feb-May) and a fall window (Aug-Oct) for cool crops, with summer dedicated to heat-tolerant vegetables like okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas.

What Can I Plant in Tennessee Right Now?

Not sure what’s in season today? Try our What Vegetables Can I Plant Right Now? tool for personalized planting recommendations based on the current month and growing conditions.

Spring (March – May)

Cool-season crops go in the ground starting in March across most of Tennessee. In West TN, that window opens in late February.

• Outdoors now (cool-season): spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, peas, radishes, beets
• Start indoors: tomatoes (6-8 weeks before last frost), peppers (10-12 weeks)
• Transplant outdoors: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (4-6 weeks before last frost)
• After last frost: beans, cucumbers, squash, corn, basil

Summer (June – August)

Planting in summer focuses on heat-lovers and getting fall crops started indoors.

• Direct sow outdoors: okra, southern peas, sweet corn (June), second-round beans
• Start fall transplants indoors: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (6-8 weeks before fall transplant date)
• Late summer (Aug): direct sow spinach, kale, lettuce, carrots, beets outdoors for fall

Fall (September – October)

Fall is the most overlooked planting window in Tennessee. Lower pest pressure, cooler temps, and moist soil make fall crops easier to grow than spring ones.

• Direct sow: spinach, lettuce, arugula, mache, turnips, radishes
• Transplant: broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale
• Plant garlic cloves (Sep in East TN, Oct in Middle and West TN)

Winter (November – February)

Active outdoor planting pauses, but the winter garden still has momentum.

• Garlic planted in fall is growing roots underground through winter
• Cold frames or low tunnels keep kale, spinach, and mache alive through hard freezes
• Late January: start onion seeds indoors (10-12 weeks before last frost)
• Plant dormant bare-root fruit trees and berry bushes (Nov through Feb)

Tennessee Planting Calendar by Month

January

Outdoor planting is on pause for most of Tennessee. The work happens indoors.

• Start onion and leek seeds indoors (Zone 7-8: by Jan 15)
• Start celery indoors in West TN
• Order seeds, plan your garden layout with our Garden Planner Tool, and amend empty beds with compost.
• Cold frame crops (kale, spinach, mache) may still be producing in Zone 7+

February

The first outdoor planting action of the year. West Tennessee leads, East Tennessee waits.

• West TN: direct sow spinach, kale, and lettuce outdoors with frost cover
• Start peppers indoors (10-12 weeks before last frost)
• Start broccoli and cabbage seeds indoors (transplant in 6-8 weeks)
• Plant dormant fruit trees and berry bushes (bare-root season)
• Soil test now if you have not done one in the past 2-3 years

March

March is when most Tennessee gardeners finally start planting outdoors again. Cool-season crops go directly in the ground across most of the state.

• Direct sow: peas, spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, radishes, carrots, beets
• Transplant: broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower starts (harden off first)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (6-8 weeks before last frost)
• Plant potato seed pieces (soil temp 45 degrees F or higher)
• Plant strawberry crowns (early March in West TN, mid-March in Middle TN)

April

Last frost falls in April for most of Tennessee. The cool-season garden peaks, and warm-season planting begins toward month’s end.

• Transplant: lettuce, onions, broccoli, and cabbage
• West TN (after Apr 5): transplant tomatoes and peppers outdoors
• Middle and East TN: harden off tomato and pepper transplants this month
• Direct sow beans and cucumbers late April in Zone 7+
• Plant asparagus crowns (perennial, first harvest in year 3)

May

Safe planting time for warm-season crops across the whole state. May is the highest-activity month in the Tennessee garden.

• Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant outdoors statewide
• Direct sow: beans, cucumbers, squash, corn, basil, dill
• Plant sweet potato slips (soil temp above 65 degrees F)
• Watch for late cold snaps in East TN through mid-May
• Begin succession sowing beans every 2 weeks for continuous harvest

June

Summer crops are in the ground. Heat-lovers thrive in Tennessee’s June warmth.

• Direct sow okra and southern peas (both love Tennessee heat)
• Plant a second round of cucumbers and summer squash (harvest in September)
• Start fall broccoli and cabbage seeds indoors in late June
• Mulch all beds 2-3 inches deep to hold moisture and reduce heat stress

July

Hardest month to establish new plantings. Keep existing crops watered and think ahead to fall.

• Finish starting fall brassica transplants indoors
• Direct sow sweet corn for a late August harvest
• Continue succession beans
• Water deeply 1 to 1.5 inches per week, morning watering only

August

The fall garden window opens in August. Many Tennessee gardeners miss this entirely and leave beds empty for 4 months.

• Direct sow: kale, spinach, lettuce, arugula, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, turnips
• Transplant: fall broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
• Plant garlic in West TN by late August
• Sow cover crops (winter rye, crimson clover) in beds you are resting

September

Best fall planting month in Tennessee. Warm soil, cooling air, and almost no pest pressure.

• Direct sow: spinach, lettuce, arugula, mache, radishes
• Transplant: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale transplants
• Plant garlic cloves in Middle and East TN
• Plant fall strawberry crowns

October

Last outdoor planting window before hard frosts arrive.

• Continue sowing cold-hardy spinach and mache
• Plant garlic (last call for East TN)
• Install row covers or low tunnels over existing greens
• Harvest warm-season crops before first frost
• Plant spring-flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils)

November

Active gardening winds down. Cold-hardy crops under cover persist.

• Harvest remaining fall crops before hard freeze
• Plant bare-root fruit trees and dormant berry plants
• Mulch garlic beds with 3-4 inches of straw after planting
• Not sure how much compost you need? Use our Compost Calculator to estimate the right amount for your garden beds.

December

Planning month. In Zone 7b-8a, cold frames keep greens going.

• Order seeds for next year (early ordering avoids popular variety sellouts)
• Cold-frame crops: kale, spinach, mache survive in Zone 7+
• Apply winter mulch over perennial herb beds

Tennessee Planting Calendar by USDA Zone

This Tennessee planting chart shows the same crops adjusted by zone. Use it alongside the monthly calendar above to dial in dates for your specific location.

Crop / Action	Zone 6 (East TN)	Zone 7 (Middle TN)	Zone 8 (West TN)
Start tomatoes indoors	Feb 1-15	Feb 15 – Mar 1	Feb 1-15
Transplant tomatoes	May 10-20	Apr 25 – May 10	Apr 10-20
Transplant peppers	May 15-25	May 1-15	Apr 15-25
Direct sow beans	May 10-15	May 1-5	Apr 15-20
Start fall broccoli indoors	Aug 15-25	Aug 5-15	Jul 25 – Aug 5
Transplant fall cabbage	Sep 1-10	Aug 20 – Sep 1	Aug 10-20
Plant garlic	Sep 20 – Oct 10	Oct 1-20	Oct 15 – Nov 1
Last spring frost (avg)	May 3-10	Apr 5-22	Mar 23 – Apr 5

Tennessee Planting Calendar by Crop

This Tennessee planting chart organizes dates by individual crop, which is the fastest way to answer a single question like when to plant tomatoes or when garlic goes in the ground.

Crop	Indoor Start	Outdoor Plant / Direct Sow	Harvest Window
Tomato	Feb 15 – Mar 1	After last frost (Apr-May)	Jul – Sep
Pepper	Jan 15 – Feb 1	After last frost (May)	Jul – Sep
Eggplant	Feb 1-15	After last frost (May)	Jul – Sep
Cucumber	Mar 10-20	After last frost (May)	Jun – Aug
Zucchini / Squash	Mar 10-20	After last frost (May)	Jun – Aug
Green Beans	N/A	May 1-15	Jun – Aug
Sweet Corn	N/A	May 1-15	Jul – Aug
Okra	N/A	May 15 – Jun 1	Jul – Sep
Sweet Potato	N/A	May 1-15 (slips)	Oct
Broccoli (spring)	Feb 1-15	Mar 15 – Apr 1	Apr – May
Broccoli (fall)	Jul 1-15	Aug 15 – Sep 1	Oct – Nov
Cabbage (spring)	Feb 1-15	Mar 15 – Apr 1	May – Jun
Cabbage (fall)	Jul 1-15	Aug 20 – Sep 1	Oct – Nov
Lettuce	Feb 1	Mar 1 – Apr 15	Apr – May / Sep – Nov
Spinach	N/A	Mar 1 – Apr 1 / Aug – Sep	Apr – May / Oct – Nov
Kale	N/A	Mar 15 / Aug 15	Apr – May / Oct – Dec
Carrots	N/A	Mar 15 – Apr 15 / Aug – Sep	Jun / Oct – Nov
Beets	N/A	Mar 15 – Apr 15 / Aug – Sep	Jun / Oct – Nov
Potatoes	N/A	Feb 15 – Mar 15	Jun – Jul
Onions (sets)	N/A	Mar 15 – Apr 1	Jun – Jul
Garlic	N/A	Oct – Nov (fall plant)	Jun (following year)

Spring Planting in Tennessee

Cool-Season Vegetables for Spring Harvests

Cool-season crops grow best when soil stays between 45 and 75 degrees F. In Tennessee, that window is February through April in spring, with a second run in late summer for fall harvests.

These crops tolerate light frost. Kale, spinach, and carrots actually taste better after one.

Crop	Direct Sow / Transplant	Notes
Peas	Feb – Mar	Direct sow, frost-tolerant
Spinach	Feb – Apr	Tolerates hard frost
Lettuce	Mar – Apr	Bolt risk rises after May
Kale	Mar – Apr	Better flavor after frost
Broccoli (transplant)	Mar 15 – Apr 10	Start indoors 6-8 wks prior
Cabbage (transplant)	Mar 15 – Apr 10	Start indoors 6-8 wks prior
Carrots	Mar 15 – Apr 15	Direct sow, thin to 2 inches
Beets	Mar 15 – Apr 15	Direct sow
Potatoes	Feb 15 – Mar 15	Plant 2-4 wks before last frost

When to Start Seeds Indoors for Spring Planting

Count backward from your last frost date. These are Nashville-based (April 5 last frost). Add 2-3 weeks for Knoxville, subtract 2 weeks for Memphis.

Crop	Weeks Before Last Frost	Nashville Indoor Start
Onions	10-12 weeks	Jan 15 – Feb 1
Peppers	10-12 weeks	Jan 15 – Feb 1
Eggplant	8-10 weeks	Feb 1-15
Tomatoes	6-8 weeks	Feb 15 – Mar 1
Broccoli / Cabbage	6-8 weeks	Feb 15 – Mar 1
Cucumbers	3-4 weeks	Mar 10-20
Squash	3-4 weeks	Mar 10-20

Hardening Off Seedlings Before Transplanting

Seedlings moved directly from indoors to full outdoor sun often wilt, stall, or die. Hardening off gradually exposes them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days.

• Days 1-3: set plants outside in a sheltered, shaded spot for 2-3 hours
• Days 4-6: increase to 4-6 hours with some direct sun
• Days 7-10: full outdoor exposure, bring in only if frost is forecast
• Transplant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock

Summer Planting in Tennessee

Vegetables That Thrive in Tennessee Summer Heat

Tennessee summers are tough. Daytime temps regularly hit 90 to 95 degrees F from late June through August. These crops are built for it.

Crop	Heat Tolerance	Plant By
Okra	Excellent	Jun 1
Sweet Potato	Excellent	Jun 1
Southern Peas	Excellent	Jul 1
Peppers	Very Good	May 15
Eggplant	Very Good	May 15
Basil	Very Good	May 15
Cucumbers (2nd planting)	Good	Jun 15
Summer Squash (2nd planting)	Good	Jun 15

Late-Summer Planting for a Productive Fall Garden

The key to a productive fall garden is starting early enough. Use this formula: days-to-maturity plus 14 days for slower fall growth, counted back from your first frost date.

Example for Nashville (first frost Nov 1): Broccoli at 80 days + 14 days = 94 days back from Nov 1 = start transplants by August 1.

Fall Planting in Tennessee

Best Fall Vegetables for Tennessee Gardens

Fall crops in Tennessee often outperform spring ones. Cool nights reduce pest pressure, and light frosts actually sweeten kale, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

Crop	Days to Maturity	Last Planting (Nashville)
Broccoli	80-90 days	Aug 8
Cabbage	70-85 days	Aug 15
Kale	55-65 days	Sep 1
Spinach	40-50 days	Sep 15
Lettuce	50-60 days	Sep 10
Radishes	25-30 days	Oct 1
Turnips	45-60 days	Sep 15
Carrots	70-80 days	Aug 20

Frost Protection Options for Tennessee Fall Gardens

Row covers, low tunnels, and cold frames are what separate a garden that produces through November from one that ends in September.

• Lightweight row cover (1.5 oz): protects to about 28 degrees F, keeps foliage dry
• Low tunnel (wire hoops plus row cover): extends season 4-6 weeks
• Cold frame (permanent structure): extends season 6-8 weeks, year-round greens in Zone 7+
• Apply frost protection the evening before a predicted frost, not the morning of

What Can You Grow During Winter in Tennessee?

More than most people realize. Several crops survive outdoors with minimal protection, and a basic cold frame opens up year-round production across most Tennessee zones.

Crop	Without Cover	With Row Cover	Cold Frame
Kale	Survives Zone 7+	Survives Zone 6+	Grows slowly
Spinach	Zone 7b+ only	Zone 7+	Grows slowly
Mache	Very cold-hardy	All TN zones	Grows actively
Arugula	Light frost only	Zone 7+	Grows slowly
Garlic	Dormant, in ground	Not needed	Not needed
Overwintering onions	Zone 7b+	All zones	Good option

Winter Planning for an Earlier Spring Harvest

• January: start onion and leek seeds indoors
• February: start peppers and eggplant indoors, broccoli and cabbage for early spring transplants
• Order seeds in December or January to avoid popular variety sellouts

When to Plant Vegetables in Tennessee

Best Time to Plant Tomatoes in Tennessee

Tomatoes are the most searched vegetable in the Tennessee garden planting schedule. Cold soil below 60 degrees F stunts growth for the entire season even if the plant survives. Patience here pays off.

• Start seeds indoors: 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Memphis area: transplant outdoors April 10-20
• Nashville area: transplant late April to early May
• Knoxville area: transplant early to mid-May
• Bristol and high elevations: transplant late May
• Soil must reach 65 degrees F before transplanting

Recommended Tennessee varieties: Better Boy, Celebrity, Cherokee Purple, Sun Gold (cherry), Arkansas Traveler (heat-tolerant).

When to Plant Peppers in Tennessee

Peppers need warmer conditions than tomatoes. Plant them 1-2 weeks after your tomato transplant date. Peppers planted in cold soil stay small and produce poorly all season, even if they never show obvious damage.

• Start seeds indoors: 10-12 weeks before last frost
• Soil temp: 65 degrees F minimum, 70 degrees F ideal
• West TN: transplant mid-to-late April
• Middle and East TN: transplant May 1-20

When to Plant Cucumbers, Squash and Melons

Crop	Method	Timing	Days to Harvest
Cucumbers	Direct sow or transplant	After last frost	55-65 days
Zucchini	Direct sow	After last frost	50-60 days
Winter squash	Direct sow	After last frost	80-110 days
Watermelon	Transplant recommended	After last frost	70-90 days
Cantaloupe	Direct sow or transplant	After last frost	75-90 days

When to Plant Potatoes, Onions and Garlic

Crop	When to Plant	Method
Potatoes	2-4 weeks before last frost	Seed pieces, direct
Onions (seeds)	Jan-Feb indoors	Start indoors
Onions (sets/transplants)	Mar-Apr outdoors	Direct plant
Garlic	Oct-Nov	Fall planting, cloves

When to Plant Fruits in Tennessee

Best Time to Plant Strawberries in Tennessee

June-bearing strawberries planted as bare crowns in spring (March-April) produce a full harvest the following spring. Day-neutral types planted in September give a small fall crop and full production the next season.

• Spring planting: late March to mid-April
• Fall planting: September
• Mulch crowns with straw after November to prevent frost heaving

When to Plant Blueberries in Tennessee

Blueberries require soil prep but produce for 20 or more years once established. University of Tennessee Extension recommends lowering soil pH to 4.5-5.5 before planting.

• Best planting time: dormant season, February to early April
• Plant at least 2 varieties for cross-pollination
• Northern Highbush for East TN, Rabbiteye varieties for Middle and West TN

Planting Apple and Pear Trees in Tennessee

Bare-root dormant trees planted in late winter (November through March) establish faster and cost less than containerized trees.

• Apples: Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Jonathan all perform well statewide
• Pears: Orient and Kieffer are fire blight-resistant and very heat-tolerant
• West TN low-chill apple varieties: Anna and Dorsett Golden

Growing Blackberries and Raspberries in Tennessee

• Blackberries are the easiest fruit in Tennessee; Prime-Ark Freedom is a top variety
• Plant dormant canes February-March or October-November
• Raspberries prefer cooler East Tennessee; Heritage and Caroline red varieties perform best
• Thornless erect blackberry varieties are the easiest to manage in home gardens

When to Plant Herbs in Tennessee

Herb	Plant Outdoors	Annual / Perennial
Basil	After last frost (May)	Annual
Cilantro	Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct	Annual (bolts in heat)
Dill	Mar-Apr, Aug-Sep	Annual
Parsley	Mar-Apr	Biennial
Thyme	Apr-May	Perennial
Rosemary	Apr-May	Perennial (Zone 7+)
Oregano	Apr-May	Perennial
Chives	Mar-Apr	Perennial
Mint	Apr-May	Perennial (invasive, use containers)

Basil cannot tolerate cold soil. Wait until soil reaches 65 degrees F before planting outdoors. Cilantro bolts when temperatures stay above 75 degrees F, so plant it in early spring and again in late summer for two good harvests per year.

When to Plant Flowers in Tennessee

Spring Flowers

• Pansies and violas: plant February-March, frost-tolerant
• Snapdragons: transplant late March to April
• Larkspur, bachelor buttons, sweet peas: direct sow February-March
• Spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils): plant October-November for spring bloom

Summer Annuals for Long-Lasting Color

• Zinnias: direct sow after last frost, the easiest heat annual in Tennessee
• Marigolds: plant after last frost, good companion near tomatoes and peppers
• Sunflowers: direct sow April-June, succession sow for extended bloom
• Vinca, portulaca, gaillardia: all handle Tennessee summer heat well

Native Tennessee Flowers That Attract Pollinators

Native plants require almost no care once established and are the best long-term choice for Tennessee gardens.

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): blooms June-October, very easy
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea): drought-tolerant once established
• Joe Pye weed: tall, late-season, monarch butterfly favorite
• Native asters and goldenrod: critical fall food for pollinators
• Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): bee magnet, deer-resistant

Looking for more pollinator-friendly species? Explore our Pollinator Plant Finder to discover plants suited to your garden.

Planting Dates for East, Middle and West Tennessee

East Tennessee Planting Calendar

The Appalachian highlands and Great Smoky Mountains region creates huge variation in East Tennessee. Gardeners at valley floors in Knoxville follow Zone 7 timing. Those near Gatlinburg or Mountain City at higher elevations may sit in Zone 6a, with frost as late as May 10.

• Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks earlier than Middle TN to compensate for a shorter outdoor season
• Use row covers heavily, especially during the spring and fall shoulder seasons
• Choose fast-maturing tomato varieties (70 days or less) to guarantee harvest before fall frost

Middle Tennessee Planting Calendar

The Nashville basin and Cumberland Plateau represent typical Zone 7 gardening. Most Tennessee planting schedule guides default to this region.

• Last spring frost: April 5-22 depending on exact location
• First fall frost: October 30 to November 1
• 190-200 frost-free days, enough for two full cool-season rounds plus a complete warm-season garden

West Tennessee Planting Calendar

Zone 7b to 8a near Memphis gives West Tennessee gardeners the longest growing season in the state.

• Tomatoes go out 2-3 weeks earlier than Nashville
• Fall gardening extends 2-3 weeks longer in most years
• Summer heat is more intense here, mulch and consistent irrigation are not optional

Best Soil Temperatures for Planting Vegetables in Tennessee

Air temperature hitting 70 degrees F does not mean your soil is ready. In Tennessee’s clay-heavy soils, ground temperature lags 2-4 weeks behind air temperature in spring.

A basic soil thermometer costs about $10 and is one of the most useful tools in the Tennessee vegetable growing guide.

Vegetable	Min Soil Temp	Ideal Soil Temp
Tomatoes	60 degrees F	65-75 degrees F
Peppers	65 degrees F	70-80 degrees F
Cucumbers	60 degrees F	70-85 degrees F
Beans	60 degrees F	65-80 degrees F
Corn	55 degrees F	60-85 degrees F
Sweet Potatoes	65 degrees F	70-85 degrees F
Peas	40 degrees F	45-75 degrees F
Spinach	35 degrees F	45-65 degrees F
Carrots	40 degrees F	60-65 degrees F

Tennessee Soil Types and Planting Considerations

Tennessee soil varies significantly by region. It affects how early your soil warms, how well it drains, and what amendments you may need before planting.

Region	Common Soil Type	Key Consideration
West TN (Loess)	Silt loam, fertile	Drains well, warms fast in spring
Middle TN (Limestone)	Clay-heavy, alkaline	Slow to drain and warm, test pH
East TN (Mountains)	Acidic, sandy loam	Low fertility, good drainage, great for blueberries
Cumberland Plateau	Thin, rocky, acidic	Raised beds highly recommended

A soil test through the University of Tennessee Extension costs a small fee and gives you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to your garden.

Raised Bed vs In-Ground Gardening in Tennessee

Both work well in Tennessee. Raised beds solve two common problems: slow-draining clay soil and late spring soil warming.

If you’re building new beds this season, our Raised Bed Soil Calculator helps determine exactly how much soil you’ll need.

Factor	Raised Beds	In-Ground
Soil warming	2-3 weeks earlier in spring	Slower in clay-heavy areas
Drainage	Excellent	Varies by soil type
Cost	Higher upfront	Lower upfront
Best for	Clay soils, small spaces	Large plots, row crops

Container Gardening Calendar for Tennessee

Container gardening works well in Tennessee with one major adjustment: containers heat up and dry out much faster than in-ground beds during summer. Daily watering in July and August is often necessary.

Crop	Container Size	Best Timing
Tomatoes (patio variety)	5+ gallon	Plant May
Peppers	3-5 gallon	Plant May
Lettuce and greens	2+ gallon	Mar-Apr, Aug-Sep
Herbs (basil, parsley)	1-2 gallon	May (basil), Mar (parsley)
Strawberries	Hanging basket or 1 gallon	Mar-Apr or Sep

Tennessee Vegetable Harvest Calendar

Use this calendar alongside the planting schedule to plan what you’ll be harvesting each month.

Vegetable	Spring Harvest	Fall Harvest
Lettuce / Greens	Apr – May	Sep – Nov
Peas	Apr – May	N/A
Broccoli	Apr – May	Oct – Nov
Potatoes	Jun – Jul	N/A
Tomatoes	Jul – Sep	N/A
Peppers	Jul – Sep	N/A
Cucumbers	Jun – Aug	Sep – Oct (2nd planting)
Okra	Jul – Sep	N/A
Sweet Potato	N/A	Oct
Kale / Cabbage	Apr – May	Oct – Dec
Garlic	Jun	N/A (plant Oct-Nov)

Common Tennessee Gardening Mistakes by Season

Spring

• Planting tomatoes too early: cold soil below 60 degrees F stunts growth for the entire season
• Skipping hardening off: transplants moved directly from indoors to full sun wilt badly
• Ignoring soil temperature: air temp is not soil temp, use a thermometer

Summer

• Not mulching: Tennessee summer heat evaporates soil moisture fast, 2-3 inches of mulch is essential
• Watering overhead in the afternoon: promotes fungal disease in humid Tennessee summers
• Missing the fall window: not starting fall transplants indoors in June-July

Fall

• Planting fall crops too late: count backward from first frost, not forward from today
• No frost protection on hand: one unexpected early frost can wipe out an unprotected fall garden
• Skipping soil prep: empty beds benefit from compost or cover crops over winter

What Grows Best in Tennessee?

Easiest Vegetables for Tennessee Gardeners

If you want to know what vegetables grow best in Tennessee, start here. These crops consistently perform across all Tennessee zones with minimal fuss.

• Zucchini and summer squash: nearly foolproof in Tennessee summers
• Green beans: direct sow in May, harvest in 55-60 days, very reliable
• Kale: grows in both spring and fall, extremely cold-hardy
• Sweet potatoes: love Tennessee heat, low maintenance, excellent yields
• Okra: plant in late May, almost zero care, produces heavily all summer

Best Fruits for Tennessee Backyards

• Blackberries: easiest fruit in the state, no serious diseases when sited correctly
• Blueberries: 20+ year production once soil pH is corrected
• Persimmons: native American persimmon thrives with zero care in all TN zones
• Pawpaws: native fruit, prefers partial shade, very well-suited to Tennessee
• Figs: Brown Turkey fig is reliably hardy in Zone 7 and warmer

Herbs That Thrive in Tennessee’s Climate

• Perennial herbs (thyme, oregano, chives, rosemary in Zone 7+): plant once, harvest for years
• Basil: thrives in Tennessee summers, grow it near tomatoes
• Dill and cilantro: fast-growing cool-season herbs, two harvests per year with proper timing

Companion Planting for Popular Tennessee Crops

Crop	Good Companions	Avoid Planting Near
Tomatoes	Basil, marigolds, carrots	Fennel, cabbage
Peppers	Basil, carrots, spinach	Fennel
Cucumbers	Beans, radishes, nasturtium	Sage, potatoes
Beans	Corn, squash, radishes	Onions, garlic
Squash	Corn, beans, nasturtium	Potatoes
Kale / Cabbage	Dill, marigolds, celery	Strawberries, tomatoes
Garlic	Tomatoes, peppers, roses	Beans, peas

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Planting

What can I plant in Tennessee right now?

In spring (March-April), plant cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, peas, kale, carrots, and broccoli transplants. After last frost (late April to May), switch to tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. In late summer (August-September), start the fall garden with broccoli, cabbage, kale, and spinach.

When is it safe to plant tomatoes outside in Tennessee?

After your last frost date and when soil temperature reaches 65 degrees F. Memphis: mid-April. Nashville: late April to early May. Knoxville: early to mid-May. High elevations and the Bristol area: late May. Soil temp is the real indicator, not just the calendar date.

What vegetables survive Tennessee winters?

Kale and spinach survive outdoors in Zone 7 and warmer with no cover. Mache is extremely cold-hardy across all Tennessee zones. Garlic planted in fall overwinters underground and harvests in June. With a basic cold frame or low tunnel, you can grow greens all winter in most of Tennessee.

Can you grow food year-round in Tennessee?

Yes, with planning. Garlic is in the ground from October through June. Overwintering greens produce through winter in Zone 7+ with minimal protection. With a cold frame, the only true production gap is mid-December to late January in most of the state.

What is Tennessee’s longest growing season region?

West Tennessee, particularly the Memphis metro area in Zone 7b-8a, has 215 to 225 frost-free days on average. The shortest seasons are in the high elevations of the Appalachian mountains in Northeast Tennessee, where frost-free days can drop below 150.

Reference Sources

University of Tennessee Extension

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map