When to Plant in Mobile, AL

Mobile's planting calendar is driven by measured frost dates: the median last spring frost is February 28 and the median first fall frost is November 29, giving approximately 274 frost-free days. These dates set safe windows for frost-sensitive transplants and index when to expect freezes or the first hard autumn chill. Use November 29 as the key after which warm-season crops can be moved outdoors; use November 29 as the deadline to protect or harvest vulnerable crops before frost. The 274 frost-free days allow multiple warm-season plantings and extended harvests for many vegetables and ornamentals.

Mobile sits in a humid subtropical (long, humid summers) microclimate that favors heat-loving, moisture-tolerant crops and stresses cool-season and disease-prone plants. Crops that excel include tomatoes, okra, and sweet potatoes because warm temperatures and long summers promote vigorous growth and multiple plantings. Peppers and eggplant also perform well when given afternoon shade and consistent irrigation. Crops that struggle include lettuce and broccoli: they bolt or suffer tip burn and fungal problems in prolonged heat and high humidity, and cool-season brassicas often decline quickly once temperatures climb. High humidity increases leaf wetness and fungal disease pressure, so choose resistant varieties, improve air circulation, and time plantings to avoid peak summer heat for marginal cool-season crops.

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