Auburn, AL planting zone & frost dates
Auburn is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 13 and the first fall frost around November 17, for a growing season of about 246 days.
Planting calendar for Auburn
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 13) 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 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 17).
Useful for zone 8b 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 | Feb 21 | Mar 13 | Apr 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 4 | Nov 17 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Auburn
- 36830 zone 8b
- 36831 zone 8b
- 36832 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Opelika zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Phenix City zone 8b, last frost Mar 5
- Alexander City zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Eufaula zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Montgomery zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Millbrook zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Troy zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Sylacauga zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
Questions
What growing zone is Auburn, AL?
Auburn is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Auburn?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Auburn is March 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Auburn?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 20 – Mar 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Auburn No.2, AL (USC00010425), 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 166 m, based on 22 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.