Winston-Salem, NC planting zone & frost dates
Winston-Salem is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 26 and the first fall frost around November 9, for a growing season of about 228 days.
Planting calendar for Winston-Salem
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 26) 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 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 9).
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 6 | Mar 26 | Apr 11 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 26 | Nov 9 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 11, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Winston-Salem
- 27101 zone 8a
- 27102 zone 8a
- 27103 zone 7b
- 27104 zone 8a
- 27105 zone 8a
- 27106 zone 7b
- 27107 zone 8a
- 27108 zone 8a
- 27109 zone 8a
- 27110 zone 8a
- 27111 zone 8a
- 27113 zone 8a
- 27114 zone 8a
- 27115 zone 8a
- 27116 zone 8a
- 27117 zone 8a
- 27120 zone 8a
- 27127 zone 7b
- 27130 zone 8a
- 27150 zone 8a
- 27152 zone 8a
- 27155 zone 8a
- 27157 zone 8a
- 27198 zone 8a
- 27199 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Clemmons zone 7b, last frost Apr 9
- Kernersville zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Lewisville zone 7b, last frost Apr 9
- Thomasville zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Lexington zone 8a, last frost Apr 11
- High Point zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Archdale zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Summerfield zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
Questions
What growing zone is Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 7b.
When is the last frost in Winston-Salem?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Winston-Salem is March 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 11.
When can I plant tomatoes in Winston-Salem?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 2 – Apr 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Winston Salem Rynlds Ap, NC (USW00093807), 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 296 m, based on 21 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.