Louisiana’s unique climate requires a planting schedule that diverges significantly from standard national gardening advice. The state’s long growing season offers opportunities for continuous harvesting but introduces challenges from extreme summer conditions. Successful gardening depends on knowing precisely when to plant specific crops to avoid late spring frost and intense summer heat. This guide provides a detailed, month-by-month plan designed to maximize your yield by aligning planting with Louisiana’s distinct weather patterns.
Understanding Louisiana’s Unique Growing Environment
The geography of Louisiana, heavily influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, results in a humid subtropical climate. Most of the state falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 8b through 9b, with coastal areas reaching Zone 10a. These zones indicate mild minimum winter temperatures (15°F to 30°F), allowing for an extended cool-season growing period.
The primary challenge for gardeners is the intense summer heat and high humidity. Daytime temperatures consistently exceeding 90°F, coupled with warm nighttime temperatures, cause many summer crops, such as standard tomatoes, to stop setting fruit. This physiological response, known as “heat-set failure,” makes timing and variety selection crucial for summer success. The average last spring frost occurs from late February in the south to late March in northern parishes, signaling the start of the warm season.
The Warm Season Planting Calendar (Spring and Summer)
The warm season in Louisiana begins earlier than in most of the country, requiring a quick transition from cool-weather crops. The window for planting tender vegetables like tomatoes and peppers is narrow, starting after the last frost date. Planting must be completed before the relentless summer heat sets in to maximize the production of heat-loving and heat-tolerant varieties.
March
March marks the beginning of the frost-free period across most of the state, allowing for the transplanting of tender vegetables. Set out transplants of tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant, ensuring they are well-hardened off. Direct sow seeds for warm-weather staples like corn, snap beans, and lima beans. Plant seed pieces of Irish potatoes early in the month to ensure a harvest before the soil gets too hot.
April
April is the prime month for planting nearly all warm-season crops. Direct sow squash (summer, winter, and zucchini), cucumbers, cantaloupes, and watermelons. This is the optimal time to plant the sprouted fruit of mirliton, which thrives in the upcoming heat. Monitor your earliest transplanted tomatoes and peppers, ensuring they receive adequate water as they begin to flower.
May
The focus shifts to the most heat-tolerant crops that will carry production through the summer. Plant sweet potato slips, which excel in high heat and humidity. Direct sow okra and southern peas, such as black-eyed peas, which thrive as temperatures rise. This is the final opportunity to set out transplants of heat-tolerant tomato varieties for summer harvest.
June
As intense heat and humidity arrive, planting shifts to crops that can handle these conditions. Continue to direct sow okra and southern peas; these crops produce better as the weather gets hotter. Start seeds of fall-season crops like cabbage and broccoli indoors under cooler conditions for later transplanting. Provide midday shade, using a 30% shade cloth, for struggling tomatoes or peppers to prevent blossom drop caused by high temperatures.
July
July is characterized by maintenance and preparation for the fall warm-season crop. The primary goal is keeping existing plants healthy through the peak heat. Water deeply in the early morning hours to minimize water loss and ensure roots receive sufficient moisture. In late July, start a second round of heat-set tomato seeds indoors for a fall harvest.
August
August is a transitional period, marking the final planting window for some warm-season crops and the beginning of cool-season preparations. Direct sow a final planting of okra and southern peas early in the month. The most important activity is transplanting the heat-set tomato and bell pepper seedlings started in July into the garden for a fall yield. Begin sowing cool-season seeds like broccoli and cabbage directly into the garden or in protected seed trays.
The Cool Season Planting Calendar (Fall and Winter)
Louisiana’s mild winters allow for a second, highly productive cool season extending into the following spring. This period is ideal for growing crops that would bolt or suffer in the intense summer heat. The average first fall frost, typically occurring between November and early December, signals the time to protect any remaining tender plants.
September
September is the busiest month for establishing the cool-season garden. Direct sow seeds for root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes, which prefer cooler soil temperatures. Transplant the cool-weather brassicas, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, that were started from seed in August. Plant leafy greens that will grow robustly throughout the fall:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collards
October
October is suitable for continued planting and successional sowing of cool-season crops. Plant garlic cloves and shallot sets for a harvest next spring or summer. Continue sowing seeds for turnip greens, mustard greens, and Swiss chard to ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens. The mild temperatures are also favorable for planting ornamental flowers like pansies and violas for winter color.
November
With the first frost approaching, November focuses on finishing planting and preparing for cold snaps. Plant the final successional batch of spinach and kale early in the month. Apply a heavy layer of organic mulch, such as pine straw, around the base of tender perennials and root crops. This insulates the soil and protects the roots from light freezes.
December
December is primarily a maintenance and harvest month, though planting is still possible in the southern parishes. Continue harvesting mature cool-season vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and root crops. In warmer areas, you can still sow seeds for hardy greens like collards and mustard greens.
January
Planting activity picks up again, focusing on hardy cool-season vegetables that benefit from an early start. Direct sow seeds for carrots, beets, and radishes. Set out transplants of hardy vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower to get a head start on the spring harvest.
February
As the risk of a hard freeze diminishes, February is the final month for cool-season planting before the warm-season rush begins. Plant onion sets and Irish potato seed pieces outdoors. Continue to direct sow leafy vegetables that will be ready for harvest as the weather warms:
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Collards
For occasional freezing temperatures, cover tender plants with a breathable frost cloth that extends to the ground to trap residual heat.