As the days grow warmer and the soil continues to heat up, late April is a prime time for planting and harvesting across the Southeast. From the Carolinas to Georgia, Alabama to northern Florida, the growing season is in full swing—and whether you’re a farmer, home gardener, or savvy local shopper, there’s a lot to get excited about. Keep reading this regional planting guide to get more information on what to grow in your area!
What to Plant in the Southeast Right Now
In the Southeast, late April marks the perfect window to get heat-loving crops in the ground. The risk of frost is behind us, and the region’s rich soils are ready for action.
Here’s what to plant now:
- Tomatoes (start with healthy transplants for quicker fruiting)
- Peppers (sweet and hot varieties thrive now)
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Melons (like cantaloupe and watermelon)
- Squash and Zucchini
- Sweet Potatoes
- Beans (pole and bush)
- Corn
- Cucumbers
For leafy greens, it’s your last call for:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collards
These crops may still grow in shaded areas but will bolt quickly in the heat, so plant wisely or transition to warm-weather favorites.
What Farmers Are Harvesting Now
By late April, many Southeast farms are already bringing in the early season goods. Expect to see:
- Strawberries (fresh, juicy, and abundant)
- Lettuce mixes
- Kale and collards
- Turnips and radishes
- Spring onions
- Broccoli and cabbage (in earlier planted fields)
Farmers are in that golden window—planting summer crops while harvesting the final bounty of spring. It’s a busy and abundant time of year.
What You’ll Find at Local Markets
For consumers hitting farmers markets or browsing local farm stands, the Southeast offers a vibrant mix this time of year. Look for:
- Handpicked strawberries
- Mixed greens
- Local honey
- Farm-fresh eggs
- Early herbs like basil and cilantro
- Cut flowers (zinnias and wildflowers are popping)
Many farms are also offering seedlings or starter plants, perfect for home gardeners wanting to grow their own.
Support Your Local Farms This Season
This regional planting guide isn’t just for growers—it’s for anyone who wants to shop fresh, local, and in-season. When you support nearby farms, you’re choosing food that’s harvested at its peak, often grown with more care and fewer chemicals than mass-produced options.
Farm Trader is here to make that easier than ever. Whether you’re a farmer listing fresh harvests or a customer looking for what’s growing near you, our platform connects you directly—no middlemen, no hassle.
