Cary, NC planting zone & frost dates
Cary is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 28 and the first fall frost around November 8, for a growing season of about 229 days.
Planting calendar for Cary
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.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Basil | Start 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 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 8).
Useful for zone 8a 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 8 | Mar 28 | Apr 12 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 27 | Nov 8 | Oct 28 |
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 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 14.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Cary
- 27511 zone 8a
- 27512 zone 8a
- 27513 zone 8a
- 27518 zone 8a
- 27519 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Morrisville zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Apex zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Raleigh zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Holly Springs zone 8a, last frost Apr 6
- Garner zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
- Fuquay-Varina zone 8a, last frost Apr 6
- Durham zone 8a, last frost Apr 2
- Chapel Hill zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
Questions
What growing zone is Cary, NC?
Cary 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 Cary?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Cary is March 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 12.
When can I plant tomatoes in Cary?
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 Raleigh State Univ, NC (USC00317079), 7.4 km (4.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 122 m, based on 27 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.