Frost Dates for Matthews, NC
In Matthews, NC, the average last spring frost is around Mar 31 and the average first fall frost around Nov 5, for a growing season of about 220 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 16, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Monroe Airport, NC weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 679 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 16 | Oct 23 |
| 20% | Apr 10 | Oct 28 |
| 30% | Apr 6 | Nov 1 |
| 40% | Apr 3 | Nov 3 |
| 50% | Mar 31 | Nov 5 |
| 60% | Mar 26 | Nov 7 |
| 70% | Mar 22 | Nov 10 |
| 80% | Mar 17 | Nov 13 |
| 90% | Mar 11 | Nov 19 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 12 | Oct 27 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 31 | Nov 5 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 16 | Nov 16 |
Planting calendar for Matthews
Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 28
Transplant Apr 14 – Apr 28
Transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Sow or transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Sow or transplant Apr 7 – Apr 21
Sow or transplant Apr 14 – Apr 28
Sow or transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Oct 8
Fall sowing Sep 10 – Oct 1
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 10
Sow or transplant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 24
Transplant Mar 17 – Mar 31
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Aug 27
Transplant Mar 10 – Mar 24
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Aug 27
Fall sowing Aug 13 – Aug 27
Fall sowing Sep 24 – Oct 15
Fall sowing Aug 27 – Sep 10
Plant Mar 3 – Mar 17
Based on the average last frost (Mar 31) and first frost (Nov 5). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.