Gadsden, SC frost dates
How Gadsden compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Gadsden falls between February 28 and April 9, a 40-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 30 and December 5.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the South Carolina median of Mar 25.
- Its 237-day growing season is longer than 67% of the 375 South Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 228 days).
- The last frost is 5 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 47 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, SC, 30 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 28 |
| 50% (median) | March 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 30 |
| 50% (median) | November 13 |
| 90% (late) | December 5 |
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 Gadsden, SC
Gadsden, SC frost dates — last frost Mar 21, first frost Nov 13, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Gadsden, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 27 – Jan 10 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Feb 21 – Mar 28 | Sep 18 – Oct 16 |
| Kale | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Broccoli | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cabbage | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Okra | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Basil | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 14 – Mar 28 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 28 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 7 – Mar 28 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 30 – Dec 4 |
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 Wedgefield, SC weather station, 22 km away (elevation 249 ft (76 m)).
Frost dates near Gadsden
- Eastover Mar 21 · Nov 13
- Hopkins Mar 13 · Nov 19
- Saint Matthews Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Wedgefield Mar 21 · Nov 13
- Pinewood Mar 21 · Nov 13
- Horatio Mar 21 · Nov 13
- Columbia Mar 16 · Nov 16
- Cameron Mar 13 · Nov 15
- Cayce Mar 25 · Nov 7
- Dalzell Mar 24 · Nov 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gadsden, SC?
The median last spring frost in Gadsden, SC is March 21. 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 Gadsden, SC?
The median first fall frost is November 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 30.
How long is the growing season in Gadsden, SC?
About 237 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gadsden, SC?
Gadsden, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.