Frost Dates for Cleveland, TN

In Cleveland, TN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 6 and the average first fall frost around Oct 30, for a growing season of about 206 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 650% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 21only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 3050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season206 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Cleveland Fltr Plt, TN weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 842 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 21Oct 18
20%Apr 16Oct 22
30%Apr 12Oct 24
40%Apr 9Oct 27
50%Apr 6Oct 30
60%Apr 3Nov 1
70%Mar 31Nov 3
80%Mar 27Nov 6
90%Mar 20Nov 11

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 19Oct 22
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 6Oct 30
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 26Nov 8

Planting calendar for Cleveland

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Peppers
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 26 – Feb 9
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Basil
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 13 – Apr 27
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 9 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Green beans
Sow Apr 13 – Apr 27
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 13 – Apr 27
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 23 – Mar 9
Sow or transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Oct 2
Spinach
Sow Feb 23 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 4 – Sep 25
Peas
Sow Feb 23 – Mar 9
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Kale
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 18
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Carrots
Sow Mar 16 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 21
Radishes
Sow Mar 2 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Sep 18 – Oct 9
Beets
Sow Mar 16 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 4
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 12 – Jan 26
Plant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Potatoes
Plant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Garlic
Plant Oct 30 – Nov 27

Based on the average last frost (Apr 6) and first frost (Oct 30). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

ChattanoogaFarragutOak RidgeMaryvilleKnoxvilleCookevilleShelbyvilleMurfreesboroAll Tennessee towns