Anderson, SC planting zone & frost dates
Anderson is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 23 and the first fall frost around November 11, for a growing season of about 234 days.
Planting calendar for Anderson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 23) 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 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 16 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 11).
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
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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 23 | Apr 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 11 | Oct 31 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 6, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 31. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Anderson
- 29621 zone 8a
- 29622 zone 8b
- 29623 zone 8b
- 29624 zone 8a
- 29625 zone 8b
- 29626 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Clemson zone 8b, last frost Apr 1
- Easley zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Gantt zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Parker zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Berea zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Greenville zone 8b, last frost Mar 28
- Mauldin zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Simpsonville zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Anderson, SC?
Anderson is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Anderson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Anderson is March 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in Anderson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 30 – Apr 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Anderson, SC (USC00380165), 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 244 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.