When to Plant Carrots in Lee County, NC
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Lee County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Carrots, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Carrots root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Carrots Planting Timeline — Lee County, NC
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
222 days
Growing Tips for Lee County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Lee County, NC?
Lee County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, NC?
Lee County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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