Hernando, MS planting zone & frost dates

Hernando is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 28 and the first fall frost around November 5, for a growing season of about 223 days.

USDA hardiness zone8aavg. extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F
Average last spring frostMarch 2890% chance of no frost after April 12
Average first fall frostNovember 510% chance of frost by October 25
Growing season223 daysfrost-free days in an average year

Planting calendar for Hernando

Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 28) 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.

CropWhen
TomatoesStart seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11
PeppersStart seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18
EggplantStart seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18
BroccoliStart seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
CabbageStart seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
Onions (sets)Plant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
PeasSow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28
SpinachSow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28
LettuceSow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
CarrotsSow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
PotatoesPlant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14
BeansSow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11
Sweet cornSow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11
CucumbersSow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11
Squash & zucchiniSow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11
BasilStart seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11

Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 10 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 5).

Frost risk in detail

90% chance50% chance10% chance
Last 32°F frost in spring is afterMar 6Mar 28Apr 12
First 32°F frost in fall is beforeNov 20Nov 5Oct 25

How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 12, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 13.

Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Hernando

Nearby cities

All cities in Mississippi → · Other zone 8a cities →

Questions

What growing zone is Hernando, MS?

Hernando 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 Hernando?

The average last spring frost (32°F) in Hernando is March 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 12.

When can I plant tomatoes in Hernando?

Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 4 – Apr 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Hernando, MS (USC00223975), 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 116 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.