Barnwell, SC frost dates
How Barnwell compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Barnwell falls between March 1 and April 9, a 39-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 30 and November 25.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the South Carolina median of Mar 25.
- Its 232-day growing season is longer than 56% of the 375 South Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 228 days).
- The last frost is 6 days later than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 50 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, SC, 93 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there and the growing season is 13 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 1 |
| 50% (median) | March 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 30 |
| 50% (median) | November 9 |
| 90% (late) | November 25 |
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 Barnwell, SC
Barnwell, SC frost dates — last frost Mar 22, first frost Nov 9, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Barnwell, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Feb 22 – Mar 29 | Sep 14 – Oct 12 |
| Kale | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Broccoli | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Cabbage | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Okra | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — |
| Basil | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 29 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 29 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 29 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 1 – Mar 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 8 – Apr 5 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 26 – Nov 30 |
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 Barnwell 5 Ene, SC weather station, 11 km away (elevation 246 ft (75 m)).
Frost dates near Barnwell
- Hilda Mar 22 · Nov 9
- Blackville Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Elko Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Olar Mar 22 · Nov 9
- Williston Mar 20 · Nov 13
- Martin Mar 28 · Nov 7
- Ulmer Mar 28 · Nov 7
- Denmark Mar 18 · Nov 12
- Allendale Mar 28 · Nov 7
- Sycamore Mar 28 · Nov 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Barnwell, SC?
The median last spring frost in Barnwell, SC is March 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Barnwell, SC?
The median first fall frost is November 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Barnwell, SC?
About 232 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Barnwell, SC?
Barnwell, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.