Greensboro, NC planting zone & frost dates
Greensboro is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 1 and the first fall frost around November 4, for a growing season of about 217 days.
Planting calendar for Greensboro
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 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: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
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 18 | Apr 1 | Apr 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 19 | Nov 4 | Oct 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Greensboro
- 27401 zone 8a
- 27402 zone 8a
- 27403 zone 8a
- 27404 zone 8a
- 27405 zone 8a
- 27406 zone 8a
- 27407 zone 8a
- 27408 zone 8a
- 27409 zone 8a
- 27410 zone 8a
- 27412 zone 8a
- 27415 zone 8a
- 27416 zone 8a
- 27417 zone 8a
- 27419 zone 8a
- 27420 zone 8a
- 27425 zone 8a
- 27427 zone 8a
- 27429 zone 8a
- 27435 zone 8a
- 27438 zone 8a
- 27455 zone 8a
- 27495 zone 8a
- 27497 zone 8a
- 27498 zone 8a
- 27499 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Summerfield zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Archdale zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- High Point zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Kernersville zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Elon zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Reidsville zone 8a, last frost Apr 5
- Thomasville zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Burlington zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Greensboro, NC?
Greensboro 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 Greensboro?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Greensboro is April 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Greensboro?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 8 – Apr 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Greensboro Wtp, NC (USC00313625), 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 233 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.