Jackson, TN planting zone & frost dates
Jackson is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 2 and the first fall frost around October 29, for a growing season of about 207 days.
Planting calendar for Jackson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 2) 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 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 3 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 29).
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 16 | Apr 2 | Apr 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 11 | Oct 29 | Oct 16 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 16. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 22.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Jackson
- 38301 zone 7b
- 38302 zone 7b
- 38303 zone 7b
- 38305 zone 7b
- 38308 zone 7b
- 38314 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Dyersburg zone 7b, last frost Mar 28
- Martin zone 7b, last frost Apr 4
- Paris zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Union City zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Arlington zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Lakeland zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Collierville zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Cordova zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Jackson, TN?
Jackson 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 Jackson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Jackson is April 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Jackson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 9 – Apr 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jackson Exp Stn, TN (USC00404561), 3.0 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 122 m, based on 29 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.