Tuscaloosa, AL planting zone & frost dates
Tuscaloosa is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 18 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 239 days.
Planting calendar for Tuscaloosa
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 18) 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 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
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 26 | Mar 18 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 29 | Nov 10 | Oct 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Tuscaloosa
- 35401 zone 8b
- 35402 zone 8b
- 35403 zone 8b
- 35404 zone 8b
- 35405 zone 8b
- 35406 zone 8a
- 35407 zone 8a
- 35486 zone 8b
- 35487 zone 8b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Tuscaloosa?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Tuscaloosa is March 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Tuscaloosa?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 25 – Apr 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Northport 2 S, AL (USW00073801), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 46 m, based on 11 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.