Franklin, TN planting zone & frost dates
Franklin is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 3 and the first fall frost around October 31, for a growing season of about 210 days.
Planting calendar for Franklin
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 3) 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 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 31).
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 17 | Apr 3 | Apr 20 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 13 | Oct 31 | Oct 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 20, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Franklin
- 37064 zone 7b
- 37065 zone 7b
- 37067 zone 7b
- 37068 zone 7b
- 37069 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Brentwood zone 7b, last frost Apr 15
- Spring Hill zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Nashville zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- La Vergne zone 7b, last frost Apr 13
- Columbia zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Smyrna zone 7b, last frost Apr 13
- Hermitage zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Goodlettsville zone 7b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Franklin, TN?
Franklin 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 Franklin?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Franklin is April 3. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 20.
When can I plant tomatoes in Franklin?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 10 – Apr 17. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Franklin Sewage Plt, TN (USC00403280), 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 200 m, based on 25 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.