Successful vegetable gardening in Alabama relies entirely on precision timing. The state’s varied geography, stretching from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, creates a complex mosaic of microclimates and distinct planting windows. Timing is necessary to maximize the mild seasons and bypass the threat of frost or the intensity of summer heat. This guide provides the timing guidance necessary to align your planting efforts with Alabama’s unique climatic realities.
Defining Regional Planting Windows
Alabama is segmented into three primary regions for agricultural planning: North, Central, and South. This is necessary because the climate shifts significantly from the northern border to the southern coast. These regional differences determine the length of the growing season, which is defined by the last expected spring frost and the first expected fall frost.
The last expected spring frost date is the most important factor for starting the spring garden, especially for tender crops. North Alabama sees this date between April 1 and April 15. Central Alabama is earlier, typically between March 1 and March 31. South Alabama enjoys the earliest start, with the last frost usually passing between January 1 and February 28 in the southernmost areas, or by early March elsewhere.
Conversely, the first expected fall frost date determines the final window for planting crops that need time to mature. North Alabama sees the first frost earliest, generally between October 16 and October 31. Moving south, the growing season extends, with the first frost in Central Alabama often happening in late October or early November. In South Alabama, the date is pushed back to between November 1 and November 15.
Schedules for Cool-Season Crops
Cool-season vegetables (lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and peas) thrive in mild temperatures but will quickly “bolt” once intense summer heat arrives. These crops handle light frost, making them the first to be planted. For a spring harvest, plants like broccoli and cabbage should be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date for your region.
These hardy seedlings can be transplanted into the garden two to four weeks before the last frost, when the soil becomes workable. Direct-sown crops like peas, carrots, and radishes can be planted as early as February in South Alabama, and by mid-March in Central Alabama. In North Alabama, direct seeding may not be possible until late March or early April.
The fall planting period allows for a second harvest of cool-season crops, which often develop a sweeter flavor when maturing in cooler weather. To time this correctly, count backward from the first expected fall frost date using the crop’s “days to maturity.” Fall planting dates are generally ten days later in South Alabama and ten days earlier in North Alabama compared to Central Alabama’s schedule.
Schedules for Warm-Season Crops
Warm-season vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, corn, squash, and cucumbers) are highly susceptible to cold. They require both the air and soil to be sufficiently warm before planting. Soil temperature is the most important metric to ensure germination and prevent transplant shock. Crops like corn and beans need the soil to sustain at least 60°F, while heat-lovers like eggplant and peppers prefer 75°F.
Planting these tender vegetables typically begins in late April in South Alabama and extends into May for Central and North Alabama. Tomatoes and peppers, which require a long growing season, should be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Seedlings are transplanted outdoors one or two weeks after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are reliably warm.
Direct-sown crops like squash and cucumbers are planted starting in May, once the soil has warmed. The intense summer heat limits the growing season for some varieties, causing them to cease production during July and August. Planting a second succession of warm-season crops in early summer can sometimes extend the harvest.