Fairhope, AL planting zone & frost dates
Fairhope is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 10 and the first fall frost around November 17, for a growing season of about 253 days.
Planting calendar for Fairhope
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 10) 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 13 – Jan 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 30 – Jan 13 Transplant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 24 |
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 9a 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
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 30 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 6 | Nov 17 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 30, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Fairhope
- 36532 zone 9a
- 36533 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Daphne zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Mobile zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Foley zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Tillmans Corner zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Prichard zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Saraland zone 8b, last frost Feb 21
- Gulf Shores zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Atmore zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
Questions
What growing zone is Fairhope, AL?
Fairhope is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Fairhope?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Fairhope is March 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 30.
When can I plant tomatoes in Fairhope?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 17 – Mar 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fairhope 2 Ne, AL (USC00012813), 3.4 km (2.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 7 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.