Wilson, NC planting zone & frost dates
Wilson is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 22 and the first fall frost around November 12, for a growing season of about 236 days.
Planting calendar for Wilson
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 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 12).
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 3 | Mar 22 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 12 | 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 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Wilson
- 27893 zone 8a
- 27894 zone 8a
- 27895 zone 8a
- 27896 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Rocky Mount zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Goldsboro zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Tarboro zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Smithfield zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Clayton zone 8a, last frost Apr 7
- Greenville zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Kinston zone 8a, last frost Mar 25
- Knightdale zone 8a, last frost Apr 7
Questions
What growing zone is Wilson, NC?
Wilson 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 Wilson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Wilson is March 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Wilson?
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 Wilson 3 Sw, NC (USC00319476), 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 34 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.