Dover, TN frost dates
How Dover compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Dover falls between March 17 and April 21, a 35-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 18 and November 15.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the Tennessee median of Apr 7.
- Its 210-day growing season is longer than 67% of the 548 Tennessee places with a regular frost season (state median 206 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 7b, where the median is Apr 5.
- The weather station records an average of 79 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Clarksville, TN, 47 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there and the growing season is 2 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 17 |
| 50% (median) | April 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 18 |
| 50% (median) | October 31 |
| 90% (late) | November 15 |
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 Dover, TN
Dover, TN frost dates — last frost Apr 4, first frost Oct 31, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Dover, TN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 7 – Apr 11 | Sep 5 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cabbage | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Okra | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — |
| Basil | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 21 – Mar 14 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 28 – Apr 11 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 7 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 11 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — | — |
| 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 Dover 1 W, TN weather station, 2 km away (elevation 476 ft (145 m)).
Frost dates near Dover
- Bumpus Mills Apr 4 · Oct 31
- Big Rock Apr 4 · Oct 31
- Indian Mound Apr 4 · Oct 31
- Stewart Apr 7 · Nov 3
- Tennessee Ridge Apr 7 · Nov 3
- Buchanan Apr 7 · Oct 31
- Cumberland City Apr 7 · Nov 3
- Erin Apr 7 · Nov 3
- Woodlawn Apr 6 · Oct 28
- Big Sandy Apr 8 · Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Dover, TN?
The median last spring frost in Dover, TN is April 4. 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 Dover, TN?
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 Dover, TN?
About 210 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Dover, TN?
Dover, TN is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.