Gautier, MS planting zone & frost dates
Gautier is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 1 and the first fall frost around November 24, for a growing season of about 269 days.
Planting calendar for Gautier
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 1) 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 4 – Jan 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 24).
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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 6 | Mar 1 | Mar 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 22 | Nov 24 | Nov 5 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Gautier
- 39553 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Pascagoula zone 9a, last frost Mar 8
- Moss Point zone 9a, last frost Mar 8
- Ocean Springs zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- Biloxi zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- D'Iberville zone 9a, last frost Feb 12
- Gulfport zone 9a, last frost Feb 18
- West Gulfport zone 9a, last frost Feb 23
- Long Beach zone 9a, last frost Feb 18
Questions
What growing zone is Gautier, MS?
Gautier 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 Gautier?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gautier is March 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gautier?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 8 – Mar 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Pascagoula Lott Intl Ap, MS (USW00053858), 11.6 km (7.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 23 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.