Vegetable Planting Season in Tennessee
Tennessee offers gardeners from all walks of life ideal weather and soil conditions to plant a wide variety of vegetables. However, the best time to plant vegetables in the state is largely dependent on Tennessee’s climate and weather conditions. In order to optimize vegetable growth and production, here’s a brief guide to the ideal times to plant in Tennessee.
Early Spring Vegetables
Early spring is one of the best times to plant in Tennessee. This is especially true for cold-tolerant vegetables such as peas, potatoes, onions, spinach, kale and collard greens. These vegetables can be planted as early as mid-March if the weather conditions permit it.
Mid-Spring Vegetables
Mid-spring is a great time to start planting vegetables that require a little bit of warmth to get going. These vegetables include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, squash, cucumbers and beans.
Summer Vegetables
Warmer weather presents an opportunity to plant heat-loving vegetables like corn and melons. These vegetables typically require a consistent full sun environment in order to produce a good crop.
Fall Vegetables
The arrival of cooler temperatures in fall means that gardeners can begin planting carrots, Brussels sprouts, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, onions and garlic for winter harvest.
Tips
To ensure the best possible results with your vegetable garden, consider these important tips:
- Check the weather: Before planting, take the time to check the expected highs and lows for the week ahead. Planting during unfavorable weather can be a waste of time and resources.
- Start indoors: If you want to get a head-start, many varieties of vegetables can be started indoors with a grow light at least one to two weeks prior to planting outdoors.
- Monitor the growth: As your vegetables grow, monitor them for signs of pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies. Taking the time to address these issues early can help prevent long-term damage to your plants.
Tennessee’s seasons and weather patterns allow certified and novice gardeners alike to grow a variety of vegetables throughout the year. By following this guide, you’ll be able to determine the best time to plant vegetables with ease.
