A Beginner’s Seasonal Planting Guide for East Tennessee

Welcome to Tennessee! Whether you’re coming from a different climate or just starting your gardening journey, you’re in for a treat. East Tennessee offers a long growing season, rich soils, and a variety of plants that thrive in its unique conditions.

But gardening here comes with a learning curve—hot, humid summers, unpredictable spring frosts, and clay-heavy soil can present challenges. So, where do you start?

This guide will walk you through what to plant each season, recommend easy-to-grow options for beginners, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dig in!

Understanding East Tennessee’s Growing Seasons

East Tennessee falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 7a, meaning we experience cold winters, warm summers, and an extended growing season. However, the weather can be unpredictable—especially in spring when a warm spell may be followed by a late frost.

To help you get started, here’s a seasonal planting guide designed for East Tennessee gardeners.

🌸 Spring (March – May): A Fresh Start

Spring is one of the best times to plant, but many new gardeners make the mistake of planting too early before the last frost. In East Tennessee, that typically happens between mid-April and early May, so timing is everything!

Best Plants for Spring:

  • Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, and peas—these cool-season crops thrive in early spring.
  • Flowers: Pansies, violas, and snapdragons tolerate cool nights and add early color.
  • Perennials: Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and hostas establish well when planted in spring.
  • Trees & Shrubs: Dogwoods, redbuds, and azaleas flourish in Tennessee’s acidic soil and put on a stunning spring display.

🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Don’t rush to plant tomatoes, peppers, or other heat-loving vegetables in March or early April. A late frost can wipe them out overnight!

☀️ Summer (June – August): Thriving in the Heat

Summers in Tennessee are hot and humid, which means choosing heat-tolerant plants and watering strategically are key to success. Deep watering in the early morning helps prevent disease and keeps plants healthy during the hottest months.

Best Plants for Summer:

  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and beans love warm soil and full sun.
  • Flowers: Zinnias, marigolds, and lantana thrive in the heat and attract pollinators.
  • Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano grow well in warm, dry conditions.

🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Overwatering! Tennessee’s humidity means plants don’t need as much water as you might think. Focus on deep watering at the base of plants instead of frequent, shallow watering.

🍂 Fall (September – November): The Best Time for Planting

Many people assume gardening season ends after summer, but fall is one of the best times to plant in Tennessee. Cooler temperatures allow plants to establish strong roots before winter.

Best Plants for Fall:

  • Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beets, and lettuce thrive in cooler weather.
  • Flowers: Mums and asters bring bold autumn color.
  • Trees & Shrubs: Maples, hollies, and hydrangeas benefit from fall planting, giving them time to root before spring.

🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Skipping fall planting! Many trees, shrubs, and perennials do better when planted in fall rather than spring because they can focus on root growth without summer stress.

❄️ Winter (December – February): Planning & Preparation

Winter might seem like a slow time for gardening, but it’s actually an essential season for preparing your garden for success next year.

Winter Gardening Tasks:

  • Protect plants with mulch to insulate roots.
  • Plan your garden layout and order seeds for early planting.
  • Start seeds indoors for a head start on spring crops.
  • Plant trees and shrubs – Yes, winter is a great time to plant them! The cool weather helps them establish roots before the growing season begins.

🚫 Avoid This Mistake: Leaving soil bare. Adding mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent erosion.

Easy-to-Grow Plants for Tennessee Beginners

If you’re just starting out, go for low-maintenance plants that thrive in Tennessee’s climate.

🌸 Flowers:

  • Black-Eyed Susans – Drought-tolerant and great for pollinators.
  • Daylilies – Nearly indestructible and bloom throughout summer.
  • Lantana – Loves heat and attracts butterflies.

🥕 Vegetables:

  • Tomatoes – A summer favorite; look for disease-resistant varieties like ‘Celebrity’ or ‘Better Boy.’
  • Green Beans – Easy to grow and produce well in Tennessee’s warm climate.
  • Lettuce – A quick-growing cool-season crop perfect for early spring and fall.

🌿 Herbs:

  • Basil – Loves summer heat and pairs perfectly with homegrown tomatoes.
  • Rosemary – Hardy and grows well year-round in Tennessee.
  • Mint – Easy to grow, but keep it in a container to prevent spreading.

🌳 Shrubs & Trees:

  • Azaleas – Thrive in Tennessee’s acidic soil and provide stunning spring blooms.
  • Dogwood Trees – A classic Southern favorite with beautiful flowers.
  • Crepe Myrtle – Adds long-lasting summer color with minimal maintenance.

Final Tips for New Tennessee Gardeners

✅ Know Your Frost Dates – The last frost in spring is usually mid-April, and the first fall frost is around mid-October. Plan accordingly!
✅ Test Your Soil – Tennessee soil is often clay-heavy. Amend with compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
✅ Choose Native Plants – They require less maintenance and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
✅ Be Patient – Gardening is a learning process. Observe what works in your yard and adjust as needed.

Let’s Grow Together! 🌿

At Willow Ridge Garden Center, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need expert advice, high-quality plants, or the best gardening tools, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Visit us in Oak Ridge, TN
📞 Call us at 865-481-3825
🌐 Explore more gardening tips at Willow Ridge Garden Center

Stop by and let’s make your first Tennessee garden a success! 🌱✨