When Is The Best Time To Plant A Garden In Tennessee

If you’re new to gardening in the Volunteer State, you might be wondering when is the best time to plant a garden in Tennessee. The answer isn’t a single date, but understanding our unique climate is the key to success.

Tennessee spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 8a. This means our springs can be unpredictable, and our falls are often long and mild. Getting your timing right means you’ll work with the weather, not against it.

This core question has two main answers: spring and fall. Each season has its own schedule and set of crops that thrive.

Spring Planting: The Main Event

Spring planting begins as soon as the ground is workable. For most of Tennessee, this is from late February through April. The goal is to get crops in so they mature before the peak summer heat arrives.

Here’s a spring planting timeline:

Late February – March: Plant hardy, cool-season crops. These can handle light frosts. This includes peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, and potatoes. Onions sets and asparagus crowns also go in now.
April: This is a busy month. Plant more cool-season crops early. By mid to late April, after the average last frost date, it’s time for tender crops. Your average last frost date ranges from early April in the west to late April/early May in the mountains.
Early to Mid-May: Plant all your warm-season, frost-sensitive crops. The soil is warm now. This is the prime time for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, corn, squash, cucumbers, and melons.

Fall Planting: A Secret Second Season

Many gardeners miss out on fall, but it’s often easier than spring. Fewer pests, more reliable rain, and pleasant weather make it a joy. You plant in late summer for a fall harvest, and some crops even sweeten after a light frost.

To plan your fall garden, you need to know your average first frost date in the autumn. Then, check seed packets for “days to maturity” and count backwards from that first frost date.

July – Early August: Start planting for fall. This includes long-season brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. You can often start these as seedlings to beat the heat.
Mid-August – September: Direct sow fast-growing cool-season crops. Plant lettuce, spinach, radishes, turnips, beets, and carrots. You can succession plant these every couple weeks for a continuous harvest.
October and Beyond: Plant garlic cloves for a harvest next summer. You can also use cold frames or row covers to extend the harvest of greens like kale and collards straight through winter.

Understanding Your Tennessee Microclimate

The state’s elevation changes create microclimates. Your specific location makes a big difference.

West Tennessee (Zone 7b-8a): Has the longest growing season. You can plant tender crops a bit earlier in spring and later in fall.
Middle Tennessee (Zone 7a): The most average dates. Follow the general guidelines closely.
East Tennessee & Mountains (Zone 5b-7a): Has a shorter season. You must wait longer to plant warm-season crops in spring. Frost can come early in the fall. Use season-extending techniques like raised beds and cloches.

Using the Soil Temperature as Your Guide

A calendar is helpful, but soil temperature is a more reliable signal. You can use a simple soil thermometer.

40-50°F: Ideal for peas, spinach, and lettuce seed.
50-60°F: Good for cabbage, broccoli, and carrot seeds.
60°F+: Necessary for corn and bean seeds.
70°F+: Essential for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Planting in cold, wet soil can cause seeds to rot and seedlings to stall.

Step-by-Step: Preparing for Planting Day

Good preparation ensures your plants get off to a strong start.

Test Your Soil: A soil test from UT Extension is invaluable. It tells you exactly what nutrients your soil needs and its pH level. Most Tennessee vegetables prefer a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Amend the Soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Based on your soil test, add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Do this several weeks before planting if possible.
Clear and Till: Remove weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to about 8-12 inches deep. Raised beds are a great option for improving drainage and warming soil faster in spring.
Harden Off Seedlings: If you started plants indoors or bought them from a nursery, don’t put them straight in the ground. Acclimate them to outdoor sun and wind over 7-10 days.
Plant Correctly: Follow seed packet depth instructions. When transplanting, plant tomatoes deeper than they were in the pot. For most others, keep the soil level the same. Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

What to Plant Each Month in Tennessee

This quick-reference calendar can help you stay on track.

February: Plan your garden. Order seeds. Start onions and leeks indoors.
March: Direct sow peas, spinach, radishes. Plant potatoes and asparagus. Start tomatoes and peppers indoors.
April: Plant lettuce, carrots, beets, kale. Transplant broccoli and cabbage seedlings. By month’s end, plant beans and corn if soil is warm.
May: Transplant all warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, etc.). Succession plant beans and corn.
June: Focus on maintenance: watering, weeding, pest control. Plant sweet potatoes and okra.
July: Start your fall garden seeds indoors (broccoli, cabbage). Direct sow carrots and beans for fall.
August: Plant fall crops: broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, turnips.
September: Continue planting quick-growing greens. Plant garlic by late October.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch for.

Planting Too Early: Impatience is the biggest spring mistake. Warm soil is better than early calender dates.
Ignoring Frost Dates: Always know your average last spring frost and first fall frost. Keep protective covers handy for unexpected late or early frosts.
Overcrowding Plants: Give plants the space recommended on the seed packet. Good air flow prevents disease.
Forgetting to Rotate Crops: Don’t plant the same family of vegetables (like tomatoes and peppers) in the same spot year after year. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.

FAQ: Tennessee Gardening Timing

When should I plant tomatoes in Tennessee?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, typically from late April to mid-May. Wait until night temperatures are consistantly above 50°F.

What can I plant in August in Tennessee?
August is perfect for fall crops. Plant broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts (as transplants), and direct sow lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, and carrots.

Is it to late to start a garden in June?
Not at all! You can plant warm-season crops like beans, squash, and cucumbers early in June. You can also start your fall garden seeds indoors. And sweet potatoes do great planted in June.

How long is the growing season in Tennessee?
It varies widely. West TN can have 200+ days. Middle TN around 190 days. East TN mountains may have 150 days or less. Check with your local county extension office for precise dates.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in Tennessee?
With protection, yes. Hardy greens like kale, spinach, and collards can survive in cold frames or under row covers through winter. Garlic overwinters in the ground for a summer harvest.

Gardening in Tennessee is a rewarding pursuit because of our long seasons. By paying attention to the calender, your soil, and the weather patterns in your specific area, you can enjoy a productive harvest from early spring straight through to the first hard freeze and beyond.