Harrisburg, NC planting zone & frost dates
Harrisburg is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 1 and the first fall frost around November 2, for a growing season of about 215 days.
Planting calendar for Harrisburg
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 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 2).
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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 16 | Apr 1 | Apr 16 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 15 | Nov 2 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 16, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Harrisburg
- 28075 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Concord zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Mint Hill zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Kannapolis zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Huntersville zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Charlotte zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Matthews zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Stallings zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Indian Trail zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
Questions
What growing zone is Harrisburg, NC?
Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Harrisburg is April 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 16.
When can I plant tomatoes in Harrisburg?
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 Concord, NC (USC00311975), 11.8 km (7.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 213 m, based on 28 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.