Morganton, NC planting zone & frost dates
Morganton is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 7 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 202 days.
Planting calendar for Morganton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 7) 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 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
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 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 24 | Apr 7 | Apr 26 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 9 | Oct 28 | Oct 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 26, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 28.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Morganton
- 28655 zone 7b
- 28680 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Lenoir zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Hickory zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
- Newton zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Boone zone 7a, last frost May 2
- Shelby zone 8a, last frost Apr 12
- Lincolnton zone 8a, last frost Apr 9
- Kings Mountain zone 8a, last frost Mar 24
- Gastonia zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
Questions
What growing zone is Morganton, NC?
Morganton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Morganton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Morganton is April 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 26.
When can I plant tomatoes in Morganton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 14 – Apr 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Morganton, NC (USC00315838), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 360 m, based on 24 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.