When to start seeds indoors in VA, MD, DE, NC, SC, GA, TN and WV

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Checked October 18, 2026. Dates below are for spring 2027. A station is an airport or weather site, so your yard can be colder or warmer, especially at higher elevation or in a low spot.

Step 1: find your average last spring freeze

These are NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the last 32°F night of spring at each station. The median is the date the last freeze came after in half of years. The late year column is NOAA’s 10% probability date: only about 1 spring in 10 had its last freeze after it. Tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) are safer timed from the late-year date.

Step 2: count back

The “start indoors” columns count back from the median date. If you are timing from the late-year date, add the same number of days.

Virginia

Maryland

Delaware

North Carolina

South Carolina

Georgia

Tennessee

West Virginia

How many weeks before the last freeze to sow indoors

Vegetables and herbs

Flowers

“After frost danger”: Clemson says to harden seedlings off for two weeks and bring them in at night until night temperatures stay at or above 50°F. NDSU’s chart is from 1999 and its set-out timing is written for North Dakota, so use it as a starting point.

Tips the Extension services agree on

• Don’t start too early. UMD: “A common mistake is to sow seeds too early, resulting in tall, root-bound plants that do not perform well in the garden.” (UMD)
• A window usually isn’t enough light. UMD: “Natural light from a window is seldom enough for strong seedling growth.” Keep LED or fluorescent lights 2 to 6 inches above the plants for 14 to 16 hours a day. (UMD)
• Warm mix for germination. Both Clemson and UMD give 65° to 75°F as a good germination temperature for most vegetable seeds. (Clemson, UMD)
• Some crops should go straight in the ground. Clemson: beans, beets, carrots and corn “are typically not transplanted successfully and should be directly sown.” (Clemson)
• Harden off. Clemson: condition seedlings outdoors for two to three weeks before transplanting. (Clemson HGIC 1259)

Pet-safe houseplants for low light and dry winter air

Each plant below is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats on the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list (checked October 18, 2026). Care notes come from Extension services.

“Non-toxic” means not poisonous, not a snack. If your pet eats a plant and seems unwell, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. More: pet-safe yard plants · toxic plants.

More planting guides

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