When To Plant In South Carolina

Knowing when to plant in South Carolina is the single most important factor for a successful garden. Our state’s long growing season and varied climate zones mean you can grow almost anything, but timing is everything to avoid frost and summer heat.

This guide breaks down the optimal planting times for vegetables, flowers, and more. We’ll cover the three main gardening regions—the Upstate, Midlands, and Coastal Plain—so you can plan your calendar with confidence.

South Carolina spans USDA Hardiness Zones 7b through 9a. This means our last spring frost can range from early April in the Upstate to mid-March at the coast. Your local frost dates are your best starting point.

Understanding Your South Carolina Gardening Region

Our state has three distinct gardening areas. Your location dictates your planting schedule more than anything else.

Upstate (Zone 7b): This includes cities like Greenville and Spartanburg. You have the shortest growing season and latest spring frosts, typically around April 15th. Fall frosts arrive earlier, around October 20th.
Midlands (Zone 8a/b): This central region, covering Columbia and surrounding areas, has a longer season. Expect the last frost around March 28th and the first fall frost near November 7th.
Coastal Plain (Zone 8b/9a): This area, from Charleston to Hilton Head, enjoys a very long, mild season. The last spring frost is often around March 15th, with fall frosts as late as November 20th or not at all in some years.

Spring Planting Calendar for Vegetables

Spring is for cool-season crops and getting a jump on warm-season ones. Work your soil when it’s dry enough to crumble in your hand.

Early Spring (6-8 Weeks Before Last Frost)

Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Direct sow outdoors: peas, spinach, kale, radishes, and carrots.
Plant seed potatoes and onion sets as soon as the ground is workable.

After Last Frost Date

This is your main planting window. All danger of frost has past.

Transplant your home-started tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Direct sow beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash seeds.
Plant sweet potato slips and okra seeds, which love the heat.

Fall Planting is Your Secret Weapon

Many gardeners forget that fall is a premier planting season in South Carolina. The soil is warm, pests decline, and rains often return.

Count backwards from your first fall frost date to know when to plant.

10-12 weeks before frost: Plant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower transplants.
8-10 weeks before frost: Direct sow beets, carrots, Swiss chard, and more lettuce.
6-8 weeks before frost: Sow quick-growing radishes and spinach.

Optimal Times for Flowers and Herbs

Ornamentals and herbs have their own schedules. Following them means more blooms and better flavor.

Annual Flowers

Cool-Season Annuals: Plant pansies, violas, and snapdragons in early fall or very early spring. They often survive winter in the coastal and midland regions.
Warm-Season Annuals: Wait until after the last frost to plant marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and vinca. They’ll thrive through the heat.

Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees

The best time to plant these is during the cooler, wetter months. This allows roots to establish before summer stress.

Fall (October-November): This is the ideal time. The air is cool but the soil is still warm.
Early Spring (March-April): This is the second-best option, provided you can water consistently.

Herbs

Cool-Season Herbs: Cilantro, dill, and parsley do best when planted in early spring or fall.
Warm-Season Herbs: Basil, oregano, and rosemary need warm soil. Plant them after the last frost alongside your tomatoes.

Tips for Navigating South Carolina’s Heat and Humidity

Our summer weather can be tough on plants. A little planning makes a big difference.

Use Shade Cloth: Protect sensitive greens like lettuce from intense afternoon sun in late spring.
Mulch Heavily: Apply 2-3 inches of pine straw or wood chips to conserve moisture and keep soil cool.
Water Deeply and Early: Water at the base of plants in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties: Look for seeds labeled for southern gardens, like ‘Heatwave II’ lettuce or ‘Carolina Wonder’ bell pepper.

Common Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s how to steer clear.

Planting Too Early: Impatience leads to frost damage. Check your zone’s average last frost date and stick too it.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: Warm-season seeds rot in cold, wet soil. A simple soil thermometer is a great investment.
Crowding Plants: Follow spacing on seed packets. Good air flow is crucial for preventing mildew in our humid climate.
Forgetting Succession Planting: Sow small amounts of quick crops like beans and radishes every two weeks for a continuous harvest instead of one giant glut.

Your Month-by-Month Planting Checklist

This general calendar can help you stay on track. Adjust based on your specific region.

January: Plan your garden. Order seeds. Start onions and leeks indoors.
February: Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors (Upstate). Prepare garden beds on dry days.
March: Plant potatoes and peas. In Midlands/Coastal, transplant cool-season crops and plant carrots.
April: Main spring planting month for most. Transplant tomatoes after frost. Direct sow corn and beans.
May: Plant heat-lovers like okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas. Mulch thoroughly.
June: Harvest spring crops. Start seeds indoors for fall broccoli and cabbage.
July: Prepare for fall garden. Direct sow pumpkins and winter squash early in the month.
August: Plant fall tomatoes (Coastal/Midlands) and transplant brassicas. Sow carrots and beets.
September: Main fall planting month for most crops. Plant garlic and shallots later in the month.
October: Plant flowering pansies and ornamental kale. Sow cover crops in empty beds.
November: Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Protect tender plants from early frosts.
December: Maintain garden tools. Apply compost to empty beds. Review what worked this year.

FAQ: Planting in South Carolina

What can I plant in March in South Carolina?
In the Upstate, plant peas, potatoes, and leafy greens. In the Midlands and Coast, you can also plant beets, carrots, and transplant broccoli and cabbage seedlings.

When is it safe to plant tomatoes in SC?
Wait until after your area’s average last frost date. For the Upstate, aim for late April. In the Midlands, mid-April is usually safe, and along the Coast, early April is typical.

What vegetables grow well in South Carolina’s summer?
Okra, sweet potatoes, southern peas (like black-eyed peas), hot peppers, and eggplant thrive in our summer heat and humidity.

When should I plant my fall garden?
Start planning in July. You’ll begin planting fall crops in August and continue through September, using your first fall frost date as a guide.

Can I grow fruit trees here?
Yes! Apples, peaches, figs, and muscadines all grow well. The best time to plant bare-root trees is in late winter, while container trees can be planted in fall or early spring.