Boone, NC planting zone & frost dates
Boone is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 2 and the first fall frost around October 13, for a growing season of about 163 days.
Planting calendar for Boone
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 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: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 13).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 17 | May 2 | May 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 27 | Oct 13 | Sep 30 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 30. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 19.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Boone
- 28607 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Lenoir zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Morganton zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Hickory zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Newton zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Lincolnton zone 8a, last frost Apr 9
- Statesville zone 7b, last frost Apr 16
- Shelby zone 8a, last frost Apr 12
- Kings Mountain zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
Questions
What growing zone is Boone, NC?
Boone is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Boone?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Boone is May 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Boone?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 9 – May 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Boone 1 Se, NC (USC00310982), 2.6 km (1.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 945 m, based on 27 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.