🌱 Your Spring Planting Guide for Raleigh, NC
What to Plant (and When) in Zone 7b
As the days grow longer and the soil begins to warm, spring in Raleigh brings with it the perfect opportunity to get your garden growing. Whether you’re tending raised beds, filling handcrafted planters, or starting your first vegetable patch, timing is everything—especially here in Zone 7b.
To help you get the most out of the season, we’ve created a clear and practical planting guide just for gardeners in the Triangle area.
🗺️ Know Your Zone: Raleigh, NC (Zone 7b)
Raleigh falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, which means the average last frost date is around April 4. That date is your key marker for determining when to plant cool-season crops versus warm-season crops.
Tip: Keep a close eye on the 10-day forecast in early April—Mother Nature doesn’t always check the calendar.
🥬 Cool-Season Crops (Late February – Early April)
Cool-season vegetables thrive in the early spring’s cooler soil and air temperatures. You can start planting many of these crops now, as long as your soil is well-drained and workable.
Direct Sow Outdoors:
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Mustard greens
- Rutabaga
- Radish
- Turnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
Start Indoors (for transplanting later):
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Onions
- Collards
Pilkington Tip: Our deep, handcrafted planters provide the root space and drainage cool-season crops like carrots and radishes love. They're also a great way to control soil quality and extend your growing area.
🍅 Warm-Season Crops (After April 4)
Once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, it’s time to introduce heat-loving vegetables. These crops will struggle in cool temperatures, so patience pays off.
Start Indoors Now (for transplanting after frost):
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
Direct Sow Outdoors (Late April–Early May):
- Cucumbers
- Southern peas
- Lima beans
- Squash
Succession Planting Tip: Stagger your sowing of quick-maturing crops like beans and cucumbers every few weeks to enjoy fresh harvests all summer long.
🌿 Preparing Your Garden for Planting
Before you plant, be sure to give your garden a strong foundation:
- Soil Prep: Loosen compacted soil and enrich it with compost or other organic matter. Good drainage is essential.
- Raised Beds & Planters: Poor soil? Go above ground. Our handcrafted wooden planters and raised beds offer both beauty and structure.
- Sunlight: Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. Observe your garden for full-sun zones.
- Watering: Consistency is key. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and minimize disease.
🌸 Support Growth with Smart Structures
As your crops take off, make sure they have the support they need:
- Peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pole beans benefit from strong trellises or cages.
- Our handcrafted garden trellises offer durable vertical support and add rustic elegance to raised beds and patio corners.
🐦 Invite the Wild Into Your Garden
Spring is also the perfect time to set up birdhouses, feeders, and pollinator-friendly features. Birds help with pest control and bring life to your outdoor space.
Explore our Bird & Wildlife Collection to find handcrafted shelters and feeders built to weather the seasons—and attract your feathered neighbors.
🌼 Final Thoughts: Spring Starts Now
Gardening in Raleigh’s spring season is all about balance—knowing when to start, preparing your soil, and supporting your plants as they grow. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned home gardener, now is the time to plant with intention.
And if you’re looking for heirloom-quality planters, trellises, or garden-ready tools, we invite you to explore our full collection—crafted to bring lasting beauty to your outdoor space.