Athens, TX planting zone & frost dates
Athens is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 18 and the first fall frost around November 12, for a growing season of about 242 days.
Planting calendar for Athens
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 18) 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 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 7 – Jan 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 12).
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 27 | Mar 18 | Apr 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 12 | Oct 28 |
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 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 5.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Athens
- 75751 zone 8b
- 75752 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Palestine zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Tyler zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Corsicana zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Jacksonville zone 8b, last frost Mar 22
- Terrell zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Ennis zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Seagoville zone 8b, last frost Mar 12
- Forney zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
Questions
What growing zone is Athens, TX?
Athens 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 Athens?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Athens is March 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in Athens?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 25 – Apr 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Athens, TX (USC00410404), 5.2 km (3.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 137 m, based on 24 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.