Brownwood, TX planting zone & frost dates
Brownwood is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 22 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 233 days.
Planting calendar for Brownwood
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 22) 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 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
Useful for zone 8a 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 3 | Mar 22 | Apr 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 28 | Nov 10 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 9, 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 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Brownwood
- 76801 zone 8a
- 76804 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Stephenville zone 8b, last frost Mar 29
- Abilene zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
- Copperas Cove zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Gatesville zone 8b, last frost Mar 19
- Fort Cavazos zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Killeen zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Mineral Wells zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Fredericksburg zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
Questions
What growing zone is Brownwood, TX?
Brownwood is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Brownwood?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Brownwood is March 22. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Brownwood?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 29 – Apr 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Brownwood 2Ene, TX (USC00411138), 5.4 km (3.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 425 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.