State growing guide
North Carolina Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7b/8a · Last frost Mar 20 · First frost Nov 15 · 239 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in North Carolina.
Frost Dates by City — North Carolina
Average frost dates for major North Carolina cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Charlotte | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Greensboro | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Durham | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Wilmington | 8a | Mar 1 | Nov 25 | ~2 wks after (Mar 1) |
| Asheville | 6b | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for North Carolina Gardeners
- Raleigh and Charlotte gardeners transplant tomatoes late March to early April
- Western NC (Asheville, Blue Ridge) has shorter seasons and colder winters
- NC spring is excellent for brassicas — plant broccoli and cabbage in late February
Common Challenges in North Carolina
- ⚠ Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) transmitted by thrips is a problem in tobacco-growing regions
- ⚠ High summer humidity promotes multiple fungal diseases
Best Crops for North Carolina
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in North Carolina
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — North Carolina Gardening
What zone is North Carolina?
North Carolina spans Zone 5b (high Blue Ridge Mountains) to Zone 8a (coastal Wilmington area). The Piedmont (Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro) is Zone 7b. Asheville is Zone 6b.
When to plant tomatoes in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh gardeners (Zone 7b) can transplant tomatoes in late March. Last frost is around March 20, so late March transplants with frost cloth are safe. Most gardeners wait until April 1–15 to be safe.