Frost Dates for Bristol, TN
In Bristol, TN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 16 and the average first fall frost around Oct 24, for a growing season of about 190 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 5, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Bristol Tri City Airport, TN weather station, 12 miles away, elevation 1,500 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% | May 5 | Oct 11 |
| 20% | Apr 27 | Oct 15 |
| 30% | Apr 22 | Oct 18 |
| 40% | Apr 19 | Oct 21 |
| 50% | Apr 16 | Oct 24 |
| 60% | Apr 13 | Oct 26 |
| 70% | Apr 9 | Oct 29 |
| 80% | Apr 5 | Nov 1 |
| 90% | Mar 30 | Nov 4 |
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 29 | Oct 15 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 16 | Oct 24 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 1 | Nov 1 |
Planting calendar for Bristol
Transplant Apr 23 – May 7
Transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Transplant Apr 23 – May 7
Sow or transplant Apr 23 – May 7
Sow or transplant Apr 23 – May 7
Sow or transplant Apr 30 – May 14
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 19
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sow or transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Sep 12
Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 16
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Transplant Mar 26 – Apr 9
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Oct 3
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Plant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Based on the average last frost (Apr 16) and first frost (Oct 24). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.