Hope Mills, NC planting zone & frost dates
Hope Mills is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 22 and the first fall frost around November 13, for a growing season of about 236 days.
Planting calendar for Hope Mills
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 22) 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 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 13).
Useful for zone 8b 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 5 | Mar 22 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 13 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 9.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Hope Mills
- 28348 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Fayetteville zone 8b, last frost Mar 30
- Fort Bragg zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Spring Lake zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Lumberton zone 8b, last frost Mar 24
- Southern Pines zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Laurinburg zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Sanford zone 8a, last frost Apr 10
- Pinehurst zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Hope Mills, NC?
Hope Mills is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Hope Mills?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Hope Mills is March 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Hope Mills?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 29 – Apr 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fayetteville Rgnl Ap, NC (USW00093740), 6.4 km (4.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 57 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.