Ryland, AL frost dates
How Ryland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ryland falls between March 18 and April 20, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 17 and November 13.
- The median last frost is 12 days later than the Alabama median of Mar 23.
- Its 209-day growing season is longer than 7% of the 574 Alabama places with a regular frost season (state median 231 days).
- The last frost is 6 days later than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 78 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Huntsville, AL, 10 km away, the last frost here is 11 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 18 |
| 50% (median) | April 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 30 |
| 90% (late) | November 13 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Ryland, AL
Ryland, AL frost dates — last frost Apr 4, first frost Oct 30, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ryland, AL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 7 – Apr 11 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 |
| Kale | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cabbage | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Okra | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Basil | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 16 – Nov 20 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Owens Cross Roads 3s, AL weather station, 24 km away (elevation 591 ft (180 m)).
Frost dates near Ryland
- Brownsboro Apr 4 · Oct 30
- Normal Mar 24 · Nov 8
- Gurley Apr 4 · Oct 30
- Huntsville Mar 24 · Nov 8
- Meridianville Mar 30 · Nov 4
- New Market Apr 7 · Oct 28
- Owens Cross Roads Apr 4 · Oct 30
- Paint Rock Apr 4 · Oct 30
- Hollytree Apr 4 · Oct 30
- Hazel Green Apr 7 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ryland, AL?
The median last spring frost in Ryland, AL is April 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ryland, AL?
The median first fall frost is October 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 17.
How long is the growing season in Ryland, AL?
About 209 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ryland, AL?
Ryland, AL is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.