Gadsden, AL planting zone & frost dates
Gadsden is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 19 and the first fall frost around November 13, for a growing season of about 240 days.
Planting calendar for Gadsden
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 19) 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 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 13).
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 | Feb 27 | Mar 19 | Apr 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 13 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 7, 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 March 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Gadsden
- 35901 zone 8a
- 35902 zone 8a
- 35903 zone 8a
- 35904 zone 8a
- 35905 zone 8a
- 35907 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Jacksonville zone 8a, last frost Apr 6
- Albertville zone 8a, last frost Mar 17
- Saks zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Anniston zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Oxford zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Pell City zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Fort Payne zone 7b, last frost Mar 29
- Talladega zone 8a, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden 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 Gadsden?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gadsden is March 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gadsden?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 26 – Apr 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Gadsden, AL (USC00013154), 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 172 m, based on 24 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.