Different sources can help determine your area’s average frost dates.
In addition to our map and suggested websites, rely on your local gardening center and personal gardening experience.
What Is a Frost Date?
The Spruce
Frost comes up whenever air temperatures reach a freezing mark of 32F.
However, a frost can occur even when air temperatures are just above freezing.
There are different websites to refer to, including the Old Farmer’s Almanac and the National Gardening Association.
Remember that these dates are an average and don’t consider any microclimates on your property.
In addition, climate change has not been considered when determining some frost dates.
The map divides the United States into cold hardiness zones based on average annual minimum temperatures.
A plants cold hardiness zone indicates where a plant is likely to survive the winter.
Use this map with the last and first frost dates to ensure you plant andsow seedsat the right time.
The official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map informs gardeners of possible zone adjustments.
While frost dates are generally accurate, there is no guarantee that they will be exact yearly.
Adequately cover your plants for protection with lightweight drop clothes, old bed sheets, burlap, or cheesecloth.
Row covers or frost blankets are sold at several garden supply retailers.
Plant cool-season plants within two weeks before or after an initial frost.
Wait until the soil is consistently 50F in the spring to plant deciduous trees or shrubs.
Bulbs can be planted in the fall until the ground freezes.
Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone With Your Zip Code.USDA.
Weather and Climate Resources.NOAA.
