Oxford, MS planting zone & frost dates
Oxford is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 3 and the first fall frost around October 31, for a growing season of about 210 days.
Planting calendar for Oxford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 3) 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: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 31).
Useful for zone 7b 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 13 | Apr 3 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Oct 31 | Oct 18 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 18. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 21.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Oxford
- 38655 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Hernando zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Grenada zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Olive Branch zone 8a, last frost Mar 26
- Horn Lake zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Southaven zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Tupelo zone 8a, last frost Mar 21
- Clarksdale zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Greenwood zone 8b, last frost Mar 17
Questions
What growing zone is Oxford, MS?
Oxford is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8a.
When is the last frost in Oxford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Oxford is April 3. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Oxford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 10 – Apr 17. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station University, MS (USC00229079), 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 124 m, based on 28 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.