University, MS frost dates
How University compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in University falls between March 13 and April 21, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 18 and November 17.
- The median last frost is 17 days later than the Mississippi median of Mar 17.
- Its 211-day growing season is longer than 6% of the 435 Mississippi places with a regular frost season (state median 239 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 7b, where the median is Apr 5.
- The weather station records an average of 68 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Southaven, MS, 77 km away, the last frost here is 18 days later than there and the growing season is 34 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 13 |
| 50% (median) | April 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 18 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 17 |
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 University, MS
University, MS frost dates — last frost Apr 3, first frost Oct 31, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in University, MS
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 6 – Apr 10 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Basil | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 20 – Mar 13 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 27 – Apr 10 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 6 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 17 – Nov 21 |
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 University, MS weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 407 ft (124 m)).
Frost dates near University
- Tula Apr 3 · Oct 31
- Oxford Apr 3 · Oct 31
- Taylor Apr 3 · Oct 31
- Abbeville Apr 3 · Oct 31
- Paris Apr 1 · Nov 3
- Waterford Apr 3 · Oct 31
- Water Valley Apr 1 · Nov 3
- Toccopola Mar 28 · Nov 8
- Banner Apr 1 · Nov 3
- Potts Camp Apr 8 · Oct 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in University, MS?
The median last spring frost in University, MS is April 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in University, MS?
The median first fall frost is October 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 18.
How long is the growing season in University, MS?
About 211 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is University, MS?
University, MS is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.