Clinton, MS planting zone & frost dates
Clinton is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 6 and the first fall frost around November 19, for a growing season of about 258 days.
Planting calendar for Clinton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 6) 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 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 26 – Jan 9 Transplant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 19).
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 15 | Mar 6 | Mar 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 10 | Nov 19 | Nov 4 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 4. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 19.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clinton
- 39056 zone 8b
- 39060 zone 8b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Clinton, MS?
Clinton 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 Clinton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clinton is March 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clinton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 13 – Mar 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jackson Hawkins Fld, MS (USW00013927), 9.4 km (5.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 104 m, based on 17 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.