Alexander City, AL planting zone & frost dates
Alexander City is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 26 and the first fall frost around November 8, for a growing season of about 227 days.
Planting calendar for Alexander City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 26) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 8).
Useful for zone 8a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 5 | Mar 26 | Apr 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 26 | Nov 8 | Oct 27 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 27. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Alexander City
- 35010 zone 8a
- 35011 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Sylacauga zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Talladega zone 8a, last frost Apr 5
- Auburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Millbrook zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Opelika zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Montgomery zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Oxford zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Prattville zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
Questions
What growing zone is Alexander City, AL?
Alexander City is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Alexander City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Alexander City is March 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Alexander City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 2 – Apr 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Alexander City, AL (USC00010160), 0.6 km (0.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 195 m, based on 30 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.