Montgomery, AL planting zone & frost dates
Montgomery is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 13 and the first fall frost around November 13, for a growing season of about 244 days.
Planting calendar for Montgomery
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 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 13).
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 20 | Mar 13 | Mar 31 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 13 | Oct 31 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 31, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 31. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Montgomery
- 36101 zone 8b
- 36102 zone 8b
- 36103 zone 8b
- 36104 zone 8b
- 36105 zone 8b
- 36106 zone 8b
- 36107 zone 8b
- 36108 zone 8b
- 36109 zone 8b
- 36110 zone 8b
- 36111 zone 8b
- 36112 zone 8b
- 36113 zone 8b
- 36115 zone 8b
- 36116 zone 8b
- 36117 zone 8b
- 36118 zone 8b
- 36119 zone 8b
- 36120 zone 8b
- 36121 zone 8b
- 36123 zone 8b
- 36124 zone 8b
- 36125 zone 8b
- 36131 zone 8b
- 36132 zone 8b
- 36135 zone 8b
- 36140 zone 8b
- 36141 zone 8b
- 36142 zone 8b
- 36177 zone 8b
- 36191 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Millbrook zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Prattville zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Troy zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Alexander City zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Selma zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Sylacauga zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Auburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Calera zone 8b, last frost Mar 12
Questions
What growing zone is Montgomery, AL?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Montgomery is March 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 31.
When can I plant tomatoes in Montgomery?
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 Montgomery Ap, AL (USW00013895), 12.6 km (7.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 62 m, based on 25 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.