Frost dates for 38127 — Memphis, TN
How Memphis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Memphis falls between March 1 and April 7, a 37-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 28 and November 30.
- The median last frost is 19 days earlier than the Tennessee median of Apr 7.
- Its 236-day growing season is among the longest of the 548 Tennessee places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 10 days earlier than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 58 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 1 |
| 50% (median) | March 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 28 |
| 50% (median) | November 10 |
| 90% (late) | November 30 |
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 Memphis, TN
Frost dates for 38127 — Memphis, TN — last frost Mar 19, first frost Nov 10, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Memphis, TN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | Sep 15 – Oct 13 |
| Kale | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Broccoli | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cabbage | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Okra | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — |
| Basil | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 26 | Sep 29 – Oct 20 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 27 – Dec 1 |
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 W Memphis, AR weather station, 20 km away (elevation 217 ft (66 m)).
ZIP codes in Memphis: 37501 37544 38101 38103 38104 38105 38106 38107 38108 38109 38111 38112 38113 38114 38115 38116 38117 38118 38119 38120 38122 38124 38125 38126 38127 38128 38130 38131 38132 38133 38134 38135 38136 38137 38141 38145 38148 38150 38151 38152 38157 38159 38161 38163 38166 38167 38168 38173 38174 38175 38177 38181 38182 38184 38186 38187 38188 38190 38193 38194 …
Frost dates near Memphis
- Millington Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Ellendale Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Germantown Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Drummonds Mar 27 · Nov 4
- Brunswick Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Cordova Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Tipton Mar 27 · Nov 4
- Arlington Mar 29 · Nov 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Memphis, TN?
The median last spring frost in Memphis, TN is March 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Memphis, TN?
The median first fall frost is November 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 28.
How long is the growing season in Memphis, TN?
About 236 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Memphis, TN?
Memphis, TN is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.