Saint Andrews, SC planting zone & frost dates
Saint Andrews is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 16 and the first fall frost around November 16, for a growing season of about 245 days.
Planting calendar for Saint Andrews
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 16) 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 19 – Feb 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 16).
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 | Feb 24 | Mar 16 | Apr 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 6 | Nov 16 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 1.
Nearby cities
- Seven Oaks zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- West Columbia zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Oak Grove zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Columbia zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Cayce zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Irmo zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Forest Acres zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Dentsville zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
Questions
What growing zone is Saint Andrews, SC?
Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saint Andrews is March 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saint Andrews?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 23 – Mar 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Columbia Univ Of Sc, SC (USC00381944), 9.1 km (5.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 68 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.