Lincolnton, NC planting zone & frost dates
Lincolnton is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 9 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 201 days.
Planting calendar for Lincolnton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 9) 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 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 28).
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 24 | Apr 9 | Apr 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 8 | Oct 28 | Oct 15 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 15. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lincolnton
- 28092 zone 8a
- 28093 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Newton zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Gastonia zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Kings Mountain zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Hickory zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Mount Holly zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Belmont zone 8a, last frost Mar 30
- Shelby zone 8a, last frost Apr 12
- Cornelius zone 8a, last frost Apr 1
Questions
What growing zone is Lincolnton, NC?
Lincolnton 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 Lincolnton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lincolnton is April 9. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lincolnton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 16 – Apr 23. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lincolnton 4 W, NC (USC00314996), 7.0 km (4.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 270 m, based on 29 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.