Athens, AL planting zone & frost dates
Athens is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 20 and the first fall frost around November 12, for a growing season of about 238 days.
Planting calendar for Athens
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 20) 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 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
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 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 1 | Mar 20 | Apr 7 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 12 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 7, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Athens
- 35611 zone 8a
- 35612 zone 8a
- 35613 zone 8a
- 35614 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Decatur zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Madison zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Hartselle zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Huntsville zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Cullman zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- East Florence zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Muscle Shoals zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Florence zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
Questions
What growing zone is Athens, AL?
Athens 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 Athens?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Athens is March 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 7.
When can I plant tomatoes in Athens?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 27 – Apr 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Athens, AL (USC00010390), 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 210 m, based on 26 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.