Winter (January 15 -- March 15)

• Even in the wintertime, most temperatures in the South stay above freezing for the majority of the season. Starting in mid-January, hearty root vegetables such as carrots, Irish potatoes, radishes and turnips can be successfully planted. Leafy greens such as collard greens, kale, spinach and lettuce also do very well in cold weather. Other vegetables that can be planted in the wintertime include asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, mustard, onions and garden peas. For extra moisture control, pest deterrence, and protection from freezes, consider planting your winter vegetables in a raised bed. Also, make sure your soil has the nutrients its needs by mulching and composting.
  
  

Spring (March 15 -- June 15)

• The warm temperatures and rain showers of spring provide plenty of nourishment for spring vegetable crops. Beans, corn, sweet potatoes and butterpeas are among the most popular spring plantings. Be advised that some spring crops, including tomatoes, okra, bell peppers, and cucumbers, need to be planted after the season's last frost; this will vary for many areas, but typically, the last frost occurs around late March in most parts of the South.
  
  

Summer (June 15 -- August 15)

• Southern summertime is also a productive time for gardeners. The South's humid climate keeps high temperatures down and provides plenty of sunshine to keep gardens nourished but not scorched. Many spring vegetables such as okra, bell peppers and beans can also enjoy a second go-around in the summertime; tomatoes are best planted between mid-June and mid-July. The prime time to plant gourds such as pumpkins, zucchini and summer squash in the South is in the summer. For the best jack o'latern results, plant pumpkins between May 15 and July 1.
  
  

Fall (August 15 -- December 31)

• Many of the same robust vegetables that can be planted in the winter, including beets, carrots, and turnips, may be also be planted in the fall. Starting in mid-October, you may even plant bulb plants such as bulb onions as late as December 31. But before you start your fall planting, make sure to remove any dead plant material, weeds and non-producing plants from your vegetable garden, as these will take away from your new plant's nutrients. Also, harvest all southern vegetables before the first frost (around mid-October); they could be hiding pests, which can attack your garden next spring.