North Carolina Planting Guide & Growing Season
North Carolina is in USDA hardiness zone 6a-8b with a growing season of 215 days. The average last spring frost is Mar 30 and the average first fall frost is Oct 30.
Growing Conditions in North Carolina
How North Carolina Compares
Compare North Carolina's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (NC) | 6a-8b | Mar 30 | Oct 30 | 215 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in North Carolina
When should I start seeds indoors in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the average last frost date is Mar 30. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for North Carolina is 6a-8b, with a growing season of approximately 215 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is North Carolina?
North Carolina falls in USDA hardiness zones 6a-8b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in North Carolina?
The average first frost date in North Carolina is Oct 30. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an average growing season of 215 days, from the last frost (Mar 30) to first frost (Oct 30). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
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