McKinney, TX planting zone & frost dates
McKinney is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 17 and the first fall frost around November 15, for a growing season of about 241 days.
Planting calendar for McKinney
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 17) 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 20 – Feb 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 6 – Jan 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 6 – Jan 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 6 – Jan 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 6 – Jan 20 Transplant outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 24 – Mar 31 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 20 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 15).
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 17 | Apr 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 5 | Nov 15 | Oct 27 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 27. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in McKinney
- 75069 zone 8b
- 75070 zone 8b
- 75071 zone 8b
- 75072 zone 8b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is McKinney, TX?
McKinney 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 McKinney?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in McKinney is March 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in McKinney?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 24 – Mar 31. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Mckinney Municipal Airport, TX (USC00415766), 2.4 km (1.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 179 m, based on 11 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.