Murdock, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Murdock compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Murdock fall between January 14 and January 21. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 27, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Murdock shares its weather station with Port Charlotte, FL, 18 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 14 |
| 90% (late) | February 9 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Murdock, FL only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Punta Gorda 4 Ese, FL weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
Frost dates near Murdock
- Punta Gorda Jan 22 · Jan 10
- Port Charlotte Jan 21 · Jan 14
- El Jobean Jan 21 · Jan 14
- North Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- North Port Feb 1 · Jan 6
- Rotonda West Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Placida Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Arcadia Feb 7 · Jan 4
- Bokeelia Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Pineland Jan 16 · Jan 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Murdock, FL?
The median last spring frost in Murdock, FL is January 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Murdock, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 27.
How long is the growing season in Murdock, FL?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Murdock, FL?
Murdock, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.