Clarksdale, MS planting zone & frost dates
Clarksdale is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 16 and the first fall frost around November 12, for a growing season of about 243 days.
Planting calendar for Clarksdale
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 16) 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 19 – Feb 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
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 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 26 | Mar 16 | Apr 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 12 | Oct 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clarksdale
- 38614 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Cleveland zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Greenwood zone 8b, last frost Mar 17
- Hernando zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Grenada zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Horn Lake zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Greenville zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Southaven zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Olive Branch zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
Questions
What growing zone is Clarksdale, MS?
Clarksdale 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 Clarksdale?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clarksdale is March 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clarksdale?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 23 – Mar 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Clarksdale, MS (USC00221707), 2.0 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 53 m, based on 25 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.