Dalton, GA planting zone & frost dates
Dalton is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 2 and the first fall frost around November 4, for a growing season of about 214 days.
Planting calendar for Dalton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 2) 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: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 4).
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 | Mar 16 | Apr 2 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Nov 4 | Oct 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 19.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Dalton
- 30719 zone 8a
- 30720 zone 8a
- 30721 zone 8a
- 30722 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Calhoun zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Rome zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Cartersville zone 8a, last frost Apr 11
- Canton zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Holly Springs zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Acworth zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Woodstock zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Kennesaw zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
Questions
What growing zone is Dalton, GA?
Dalton 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 Dalton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Dalton is April 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Dalton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 9 – Apr 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Dalton, GA (USC00092493), 7.6 km (4.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 244 m, based on 14 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.