Denton, TX planting zone & frost dates
Denton is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 13 and the first fall frost around November 20, for a growing season of about 251 days.
Planting calendar for Denton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 13) 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 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 2 – Jan 16 Transplant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 20).
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 | Feb 24 | Mar 13 | Mar 31 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 8 | Nov 20 | Nov 3 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 31, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 3. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Denton
- 76201 zone 8a
- 76202 zone 8b
- 76203 zone 8a
- 76204 zone 8b
- 76205 zone 8b
- 76206 zone 8b
- 76207 zone 8a
- 76208 zone 8b
- 76209 zone 8b
- 76210 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Corinth zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Highland Village zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Little Elm zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Flower Mound zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Lewisville zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Trophy Club zone 8b, last frost Mar 12
- The Trails of Frisco zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Southlake zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
Questions
What growing zone is Denton, TX?
Denton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8b.
When is the last frost in Denton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Denton is March 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 31.
When can I plant tomatoes in Denton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 20 – Mar 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Denton 2 Se, TX (USC00412404), 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 192 m, based on 27 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.