Frost dates for 38137 — Memphis, TN
How Memphis compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Memphis falls between February 27 and April 4, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 2 and December 3.
- The median last frost is 22 days earlier than the Tennessee median of Apr 7.
- Its 245-day growing season is among the longest of the 548 Tennessee places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 13 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 44 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | February 27 |
| 50% (median) | March 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 2 |
| 50% (median) | November 16 |
| 90% (late) | December 3 |
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 38137 — Memphis, TN — last frost Mar 16, first frost Nov 16, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Memphis, TN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Feb 16 – Mar 23 | Sep 21 – Oct 19 |
| Kale | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Broccoli | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cabbage | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Okra | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — |
| Basil | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 2 – Feb 23 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 2 – Feb 23 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 23 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | — | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | — | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 16 – Feb 23 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 23 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 23 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 2 – Mar 30 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 2 – Mar 23 | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 13 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 2 – Dec 7 |
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 Memphis Intl Ap, TN weather station, 16 km away (elevation 253 ft (77 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
- Cordova Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Brunswick Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Arlington Mar 29 · Nov 5
- Tipton Mar 27 · Nov 4
- Drummonds Mar 27 · Nov 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Memphis, TN?
The median last spring frost in Memphis, TN is March 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 4, 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 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 2.
How long is the growing season in Memphis, TN?
About 245 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.