2012 Best Planting Dates for Seeds for Mooresville, North Carolina

When determining the best planting dates for seeds, the date of the last spring frost is important to your success. NOTE: Our chart calculates U.S. frost dates only, based on historical data. Other factors can also influence planting dates, including soil temperature, altitude and slope of land, nearby waters, and day length. Keep records of your garden's conditions each year to plan more accurately.

  • Seeds for plants with a long growing season should be started indoors during the periods shown below.
  • Seeds for plants sown in the ground should be planted during the periods shown.
  • When no dates appear in the chart, that starting method is not recommended for the particular vegetable.
  • To start transplants, see our Best Dates to Transplant (by region).

Planting by the Moon?

Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!

This chart includes the most popular crops. For more information, consult your cooperative extension.

Click on the underlined crops below for free "how to" plant and grow guides!

ZIP Code or City,State

50% probability of frost free after April 24 (at STATESVILLE 2 NNE, NC climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansApr 24-May 8Apr 24-May 5
BeetsApr 3-May 15Apr 7-20
BroccoliFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8Apr 3-10Apr 3- 6
Brussels sproutsFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8
CabbageFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8Apr 17-May 1Apr 21-May 1
CarrotsMar 20-Apr 3Mar 20-21
CauliflowerFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8Apr 17-May 1Apr 21-May 1
CeleryFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8
CornMay 8-15
CucumbersMar 27-Apr 10Mar 27-Apr 6May 1- 8May 1- 5
LettuceMar 13-27Mar 22-27Apr 17-May 8Apr 21-May 5
MelonsMar 27-Apr 10Mar 27-Apr 6May 8-15
Onion setsMar 27-Apr 3
ParsnipsApr 3-24Apr 7-20
PeasMar 13-27Mar 22-27
PeppersFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8
Potato tubersApr 24-May 8May 6- 8
PumpkinsMar 27-Apr 10Mar 27-Apr 6May 1- 8May 1- 5
RadishesApr 17-May 1Apr 17-20
SpinachMar 13-27Mar 22-27
Squash, summerMar 27-Apr 10Mar 27-Apr 6May 1- 8May 1- 5
Squash, winterMar 27-Apr 10Mar 27-Apr 6May 1- 8May 1- 5
TomatoesFeb 27-Mar 13Feb 27-Mar 8