Frost Dates for Jackson, TN

In Jackson, TN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 2 and the average first fall frost around Oct 29, for a growing season of about 207 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 18, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 18only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2950% chance of frost before this date
Growing season207 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Jackson Exp Stn, TN weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 400 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 18Oct 16
20%Apr 12Oct 21
30%Apr 9Oct 24
40%Apr 5Oct 27
50%Apr 2Oct 29
60%Mar 31Nov 1
70%Mar 27Nov 3
80%Mar 23Nov 6
90%Mar 16Nov 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 14Oct 21
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 2Oct 29
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 22Nov 7

Planting calendar for Jackson

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Peppers
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Basil
Indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Green beans
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Oct 1
Spinach
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Sep 3 – Sep 24
Peas
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Kale
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 17
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 6 – Aug 20
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Fall sowing Aug 6 – Aug 20
Carrots
Sow Mar 12 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 6 – Aug 20
Radishes
Sow Feb 26 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 17 – Oct 8
Beets
Sow Mar 12 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 20 – Sep 3
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 8 – Jan 22
Plant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Potatoes
Plant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Garlic
Plant Oct 29 – Nov 26

Based on the average last frost (Apr 2) and first frost (Oct 29). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

BartlettColliervilleGermantownMemphisColumbiaClarksvilleSpring HillFranklinAll Tennessee towns