Louisiana growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Louisiana zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Louisiana
Louisiana covers USDA Zones 8b–9b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 8b — Shreveport and north Louisiana. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
- Zone 9a — Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette. Average last frost 02/25, first frost 12/01 (about 279 frost-free days).
- Zone 9b — The southern Louisiana coast. Average last frost 02/05, first frost 12/15 (about 313 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Baton Rouge, New Orleans and south Louisiana (Zone 9a)
- Tomatoes: set out March 4 – March 25; fall August 18 – September 8
- Peppers: set out March 11 – April 1; fall September 1 – September 22
- Eggplant: set out March 11 – April 1; fall August 18 – September 8
- Okra: seed March 11 – April 1
- Sweet potatoes: set out March 11 – April 1
- Sweet corn: seed February 25 – March 18; fall September 1 – September 22
- Cucumbers: set out March 4 – March 25; fall September 15 – October 6
- Summer squash: seed March 4 – March 25; fall September 22 – October 13
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Louisiana
- State buy-local program: the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry runs Certified Louisiana. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Crescent City Farmers Market (New Orleans). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Established market: Red Stick Farmers Market (Baton Rouge). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Louisiana
- Income tax: State income tax that recently moved to a single flat rate.
- Sales tax on inputs: Farm inputs and equipment are exempt; register with the Department of Revenue for the farmer exemption and give vendors the certificate.
- Farmland property tax: Use value: bona fide agricultural land is assessed on its use value; apply through the parish assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Louisiana
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (LA Department of Agriculture and Forestry)
- Certified Louisiana marketing program
- Agricultural Solutions cost-share through soil and water conservation districts
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Southern SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- LSU AgCenter — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers