Clinton, TN planting zone & frost dates
Clinton is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 31 and the first fall frost around November 4, for a growing season of about 218 days.
Planting calendar for Clinton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 31) 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: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 20 – Feb 3 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 20 – Feb 3 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 20 – Feb 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 20 – Feb 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 4).
Useful for zone 7b 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 11 | Mar 31 | Apr 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 18 | Nov 4 | Oct 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clinton
- 37716 zone 7b
- 37717 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Oak Ridge zone 7b, last frost Apr 5
- Farragut zone 7b, last frost Apr 5
- Knoxville zone 7b, last frost Apr 11
- Maryville zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Seymour zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Sevierville zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Athens zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Morristown zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
Questions
What growing zone is Clinton, TN?
Clinton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Clinton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clinton is March 31. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clinton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 7 – Apr 14. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Oak Ridge Asos, TN (USW00053868), 13.0 km (8.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 277 m, based on 22 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.