Frost Dates for Oak Ridge, TN
In Oak Ridge, TN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 5 and the average first fall frost around Nov 1, for a growing season of about 210 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 19, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Oak Ridge Atdd, TN weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 905 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 19 | Oct 19 |
| 20% | Apr 15 | Oct 24 |
| 30% | Apr 11 | Oct 27 |
| 40% | Apr 8 | Oct 30 |
| 50% | Apr 5 | Nov 1 |
| 60% | Apr 2 | Nov 3 |
| 70% | Mar 29 | Nov 5 |
| 80% | Mar 25 | Nov 8 |
| 90% | Mar 19 | Nov 13 |
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 17 | Oct 23 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 5 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 23 | Nov 11 |
Planting calendar for Oak Ridge
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Sow or transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Sow or transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Sow or transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Sow or transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 27
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Sow or transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 20
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 23
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 11
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Plant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Based on the average last frost (Apr 5) and first frost (Nov 1). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.