In Tennessee, the last spring frost usually comes between April 4 and April 28, and the first fall frost between October 16 and October 31, depending on where you live. Most of Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Tennessee cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 8a | March 28 | April 7 | Nov. 4 |
| Nashville | 7b | April 7 | April 16 | Oct. 25 |
| Knoxville | 7b | April 19 | April 29 | Oct. 22 |
| Chattanooga | 8a | April 7 | April 18 | Nov. 1 |
| Clarksville | 7b | April 17 | April 26 | Oct. 25 |
| Murfreesboro | 7b | April 15 | April 26 | Oct. 22 |
| Jackson | 7b | April 9 | April 18 | Oct. 24 |
| Johnson City | 7b | April 27 | May 7 | Oct. 18 |
| Cleveland | 7b | April 12 | April 21 | Oct. 24 |
| Columbia | 7b | April 17 | April 26 | Oct. 22 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Tennessee. Among the cities above, Memphis has the earliest last frost (around March 28) and Johnson City the latest (around April 27), about 4 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Tennessee
Most of Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 214 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Tennessee:
- Zone 7 (about 88% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 8 (about 12% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tennessee?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Tennessee, the last spring frost comes between April 4 and April 28. In Memphis, it is around March 28.
When is the first frost in Tennessee?
Across most of Tennessee, the first fall frost comes between October 16 and October 31. In Memphis, it is around November 4.
What planting zone is Tennessee?
Most of Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zones 7a to 8a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Tennessee?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Memphis, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around April 7. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 8.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.