Saraland, AL planting zone & frost dates
Saraland is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 21 and the first fall frost around December 6, for a growing season of about 292 days.
Planting calendar for Saraland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 21) 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: Dec 27 – Jan 10 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 10 – Jan 24 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 6).
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 | Jan 25 | Feb 21 | Mar 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 5 | Dec 6 | Nov 15 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 15. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Saraland
- 36571 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Prichard zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Mobile zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Tillmans Corner zone 9a, last frost Feb 21
- Daphne zone 9a, last frost Mar 15
- Fairhope zone 9a, last frost Mar 10
- Foley zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
- Atmore zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Gulf Shores zone 9a, last frost Mar 5
Questions
What growing zone is Saraland, AL?
Saraland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9a.
When is the last frost in Saraland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Saraland is February 21. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Saraland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 28 – Mar 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Mobile Dwtn Ap, AL (USW00013838), 21.6 km (13.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 8 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.