North, SC frost dates
How North compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in North falls between March 8 and April 11, a 34-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 25 and November 20.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the South Carolina median of Mar 25.
- Its 225-day growing season is longer than 39% of the 375 South Carolina places with a regular frost season (state median 228 days).
- The last frost is 10 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 44 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, SC, 44 km away, the last frost here is 10 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 8 |
| 50% (median) | March 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 25 |
| 50% (median) | November 6 |
| 90% (late) | November 20 |
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 North, SC
North, SC frost dates — last frost Mar 26, first frost Nov 6, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in North, SC
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 9 |
| Kale | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Broccoli | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cabbage | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Okra | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Basil | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 19 – Apr 2 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 26 – Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 23 – Nov 27 |
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 N 5ne, SC weather station, 5 km away (elevation 322 ft (98 m)).
Frost dates near North
- Neeses Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Swansea Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Norway Mar 18 · Nov 12
- Saint Matthews Mar 26 · Nov 6
- Springfield Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Orangeburg Mar 13 · Nov 15
- Salley Mar 26 · Nov 9
- Gaston Mar 25 · Nov 7
- Pelion Mar 28 · Nov 4
- Cordova Mar 15 · Nov 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in North, SC?
The median last spring frost in North, SC is March 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in North, SC?
The median first fall frost is November 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 25.
How long is the growing season in North, SC?
About 225 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is North, SC?
North, SC is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.