When to Plant Vegetables in Louisiana: Growing Calendar for Northern and Southern Regions

For many garden enthusiasts in Louisiana, the pressing question is often, “When should I start my garden in Louisiana?” The rich, diverse climate of the state offers multiple planting seasons, but knowing the best times to plant is crucial. Whether you’re consulting the Louisiana planting guide by month, seeking advice for what vegetables can be planted now in south Louisiana, or looking into the Louisiana flower garden planting guide, it’s essential to understand Louisiana’s unique climate.

The LSU AG Center flower and vegetable planting guides by zone offer great insight. In this guide, you’ll learn when to plant everything from carrots in Louisiana to what vegetables to plant in August in South Louisiana and those suited for winter planting.

When to Plant Vegetables in Louisiana

Understanding Louisiana’s Climate Zones

Louisiana is divided into two primary climate zones: the northern and southern. The northern area tends to have cooler temperatures, especially during the winter, while the southern zone is warmer and more humid due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This distinction influences when certain vegetables should be planted and how they’ll thrive throughout the season.

Factors Affecting Vegetable Planting Dates in Louisiana

Several factors play a role in determining the best planting dates in Louisiana. Soil temperature, for instance, significantly affects seed germination. Moreover, the length of the growing season, risk of frost, and rainfall patterns are also pivotal. Gardeners can better align their planting schedules with the state’s climate intricacies by considering these elements.

Planting Vegetables in Northern Louisiana

The cooler climate in Northern Louisiana offers a slightly different planting window than its southern counterpart. Consider vegetables like lettuce, peas, and broccoli for early spring planting. As you transition into late spring and early summer, options like tomatoes, beans, and corn become more viable. For those wondering what vegetables can be planted in the winter in Louisiana, the northern region is less accommodating due to colder temperatures. Still, some hardy vegetables like kale and spinach might survive with proper care.

Optimal Vegetable Planting Times for Southern Louisiana

Southern Louisiana boasts a warmer climate, providing a longer growing season. Early spring is suitable for carrots, beets, and radishes. As you approach August, you might wonder, “What vegetables to plant in August in South Louisiana?” The answer includes okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes, which thrive in the region’s hot and humid conditions. Winter in Southern Louisiana is milder, allowing for cultivating a broader range of vegetables like Brussels sprouts and collards.

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Vegetable Planting Schedule for Louisiana

January to February: Focus on cold-hardy vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower in the south; the north can start seeds indoors.
March to April: Early spring vegetables like lettuce and peas are ideal. It’s also an excellent time to plant carrots in Louisiana.
May to June: Transition to warm-season crops like cucumbers and peppers.
July to August: In South Louisiana, August is optimal for okra and sweet potatoes. The north should prepare for fall crops.
September to October: Begin planting fall vegetables like turnips and broccoli.
November to December: In the south, focus on winter-hardy vegetables, while the north should wind down and prep for the next season.

Recommended Vegetables for Early Spring Planting in Louisiana

Early spring in Louisiana is a bustling time for gardeners. Vegetable vegetables like lettuce, kale, peas, and spinach are excellent choices in northern and southern regions. They prefer the cooler temperatures of early spring and can be harvested before the hot summer weather begins.

Late Spring and Early Summer Vegetable Planting Guide for Louisiana

As Louisiana’s temperatures rise, late spring and early summer become the prime times for warm-season crops. Vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and beans are perfect for this period. Moreover, zucchinis, cucumbers, and squashes also thrive during these warmer months.

Fall Vegetable Planting Tips for Northern Louisiana

In Northern Louisiana, Fall presents a second opportunity for vegetable planting, especially after the scorching summer temperatures start to wane. Choosing frost-tolerant crops that can handle the region’s cooler temperatures is crucial for successful fall gardening. Begin by preparing the soil in late summer, enriching it with compost to replenish the nutrients that summer crops might have depleted.

For this period, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Moreover, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and mustard survive and thrive in cooler fall temperatures. Keeping an eye on frost dates is essential, ensuring your crops are established before the first frost hits. Using mulch can also help regulate soil temperature and moisture, ensuring your fall vegetables have an ideal environment for growth.

Ideal Fall Planting Dates for Southern Louisiana

Southern Louisiana’s mild fall climate gives gardeners a longer growing season than its northern counterpart. The region’s extended warmth allows for a broader range of vegetable planting, even extending into early winter. From late August to early September, gardeners can begin planting crops like beans, squash, and cucumbers, which will produce until the first frost. As you progress into late Fall, switch focus to vegetables like beets, carrots, and radishes.

These root vegetables benefit from the decreasing temperatures, often resulting in sweeter harvests. Lettuce, arugula, and other salad greens can be sown successively for a continuous harvest. With the mild weather of Southern Louisiana, gardeners can often harvest some of these crops well into winter, provided they offer a bit of frost protection on the coldest nights.

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young seedlings of lettuce salad in the vegetable garden

When to Plant and What Vegetables to Grow in Louisiana in Winter

Winter in Louisiana varies significantly between the northern and southern regions. However, even with the colder temperatures in the north, there are still opportunities for winter gardening. In Northern Louisiana, late fall planting ensures that crops are established before winter, allowing vegetables like turnips, collards, and kale to thrive and be harvested during the colder months. For Southern Louisiana, the milder winters are even more accommodating.

Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard can be planted in early winter and harvested throughout the season. Protecting these crops during unexpected frost or freeze events is crucial regardless of the region. Utilizing cold frames, row covers, or even simple cloth coverings can make a significant difference in ensuring your winter vegetables remain healthy and productive.

Vegetable Planting Schedule/Calendar Table for Louisiana

Vegetable	Northern Louisiana	Southern Louisiana
Broccoli	Early Spring and late Summer	Early Spring & Fall
Cauliflower	Early Spring and late Summer	Early Spring & Fall
Brussels Sprouts	Late Summer	Fall
Lettuce	Early Spring and late Summer	Early Spring & Fall
Kale	Early Spring, Fall & Winter	Early Spring, Fall & Winter
Spinach	Early Spring & Fall	Early Spring & Fall
Mustard Greens	Fall	Fall & Winter
Beans	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring, Early Summer, & Early Fall
Squash	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring, Early Summer, and early Fall
Cucumbers	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring and early Fall
Beets	Fall	Fall & Early Winter
Carrots	Spring & Fall	Spring, Fall & Early Winter
Radishes	Spring & Fall	Spring, Fall & Winter
Arugula	Fall	Fall & Winter
Turnips	Fall & Winter	Fall & Winter
Collards	Fall & Winter	Fall & Winter
Swiss Chard	Spring & Fall	Spring, Fall & Winter
Cabbage	Early Spring and late Summer	Early Spring & Fall
Tomatoes	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring and early Summer
Bell Peppers	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring and early Summer
Eggplants	Late Spring and early Summer	Late Spring and early Summer

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Conclusion

Louisiana’s diverse climate allows gardeners to cultivate various vegetables throughout the year. Whether it’s the brisk temperatures of Northern Louisiana’s Fall or the mild winters of the south, understanding the regional differences and planting accordingly ensures a fruitful garden.

When to Plant Vegetables in Louisiana: Growing Calendar for Northern and Southern Regions