Chatham County, NC — Planting Guide
Chatham County is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 1,042 ft, Chatham County receives approximately 48.2 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 90°F with winter lows around 29°F. The predominant soil type is Clay Loam.
🌡️ Zone
8a (10°F to 15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
March 28
🍂 First Frost
November 6
📅 Growing Season
223 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,042 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
48.2 in
Chatham County, NC
Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost
March 28
➔
223 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
November 6
Chatham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 8a
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Mar 28
First Frost: Nov 6
Soil & Growing Conditions in Chatham County
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Retains moisture well but slow to warm in spring. Amend with compost to improve drainage.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (48.2 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
223-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Raised Bed Garden Kit
$40-120
Cedar raised bed kit — ideal for poor soil, clay, or small-space gardening.
Perlite
$10-18
Improve drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils with horticultural perlite.
Raised Bed Soil Mix
$20-45
Premium blend of topsoil, compost, and perlite formulated for raised beds.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Chatham County
114 vegetables that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Chatham County.
Show all 114 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 29 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 11 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 11 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 6 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Jul 25 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jul 4 – Aug 22 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 13 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 30 – Jul 11 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 13 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 30 – Jul 25 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 11 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 26 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jun 20 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 25 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 30 – Jul 11 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 11 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 30 – Jul 11 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jun 20 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 25 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 6 – Jul 18 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Apr 11 – May 2 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | May 30 – Jun 27 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Aug 15 – Oct 17 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 6 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 20 – Aug 1 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 24 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 22 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jun 20 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jun 20 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Jul 25 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 25 | Dec 25 – Jun 11 | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | May 30 – Jul 25 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 11 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 24 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 20 – Sep 26 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 29 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 24 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 8 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jun 13 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 18 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jun 20 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jun 6 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Sep 12 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 20 – Aug 1 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 11 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 6 – Jul 18 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 26 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 13 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 4 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 8 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Apr 4 – May 2 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jul 11 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – May 30 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jun 27 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 4 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 6 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Aug 8 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | May 30 – Jun 27 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 18 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 24 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 29 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 29 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 13 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 30 – Jul 4 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Apr 11 – May 2 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Aug 8 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jun 20 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 1 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 18 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 8 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | May 30 – Aug 1 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 11 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 6 – Jul 18 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 29 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jun 6 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 14 | — | Aug 28 | Apr 25 – May 30 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Jun 13 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 8 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 4 | — | — | May 30 – Jul 25 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 29 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 18 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | May 30 – Jul 25 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Chatham County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Chatham County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 31 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Apr 18 | — | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Apr 18 | — | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 18 – Jan 2 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Chatham County
39 herbs that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Chatham County.
Show all 39 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | Jun 20 – Sep 5 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 16 – Jul 4 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Aug 1 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | May 30 – Jul 25 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Aug 1 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 15 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 25 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 27 – Sep 26 | 75–120 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Jul 25 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 27 – Nov 14 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 15 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 4 | — | May 30 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Mar 21 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Jul 4 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 11 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 4 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 14 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Chatham County
54 flowers that grow well in Zone 8a with planting dates for Chatham County.
Show all 54 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Feb 14 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 16 – Oct 3 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 – Nov 20 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Sep 25 – Oct 23 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 25 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Sep 11 | May 16 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Jan 17 | — | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Jan 31 | Mar 21 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 24 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | May 16 – Jun 13 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | — | Feb 14 | Mar 14 | Aug 28 | May 2 – Sep 12 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Nov 20 – Feb 26 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Feb 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 23 – Oct 17 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Jan 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | May 16 – Jun 13 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Jan 31 | Mar 21 | Mar 28 | — | May 30 – Oct 24 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Feb 28 | Mar 14 | Mar 14 | — | May 23 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 9 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 7 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Nov 7 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 24 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Jan 31 | Feb 14 | Feb 21 | — | Apr 11 – Jun 27 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Jan 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 24 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Jan 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | May 16 – Jun 13 | 80–120 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Sep 25 | Oct 23 – Nov 20 | 84–112 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Feb 7 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Nov 14 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Jan 17 | — | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Oct 17 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Nov 7 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 24 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 24 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 10 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 24 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Mar 28 | — | May 16 – Jun 20 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Feb 28 | — | Aug 28 | May 9 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Jan 24 | — | Apr 4 | — | Jun 13 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Sep 26 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Jan 31 | — | Feb 21 | — | Apr 18 – Jun 13 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Jan 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | May 16 – Jun 13 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Feb 14 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 16 – Sep 19 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Feb 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 16 – Oct 17 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Jan 17 | — | Mar 14 | Aug 28 | May 9 – Aug 15 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | Mar 28 | — | May 23 – Jun 20 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 10 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Jan 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Feb 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 9 – Oct 3 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Sep 11 | Sep 25 – Oct 30 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 24 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jun 6 – Oct 24 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Jan 31 | — | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Jan 31 | — | Mar 28 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Jan 17 | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Aug 28 | May 23 – Sep 12 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Mar 7 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | Jun 13 – Oct 17 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Feb 14 | Feb 21 | Mar 14 | Sep 11 | Apr 25 – Aug 15 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | — | — | Sep 4 | Nov 13 – Feb 5 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Oct 9 | Sep 25 – Oct 23 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Jan 17 | — | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Jan 31 | Mar 21 | Mar 28 | — | May 30 – Oct 24 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Feb 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | — | May 30 – Oct 17 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Chatham County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Chatham County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Chatham County, NC?
Chatham County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Chatham County, NC?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Chatham County falls around March 28. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Chatham County, NC?
The median first fall frost in Chatham County arrives around November 6. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Chatham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chatham County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
$27
$293 value
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
$27
$157 value
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
$27
$210 value
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log