Gaffney, SC planting zone & frost dates
Gaffney is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 20 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 186 days.
Planting calendar for Gaffney
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 20) 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 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 24).
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 | Apr 2 | Apr 20 | May 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 5 | Oct 24 | Oct 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 6, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 6.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Gaffney
- 29340 zone 8a
- 29341 zone 8a
- 29342 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Spartanburg zone 8a, last frost Apr 8
- Greer zone 8b, last frost Mar 28
- Five Forks zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Rock Hill zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Taylors zone 8a, last frost Mar 28
- Simpsonville zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Wade Hampton zone 8a, last frost Mar 16
- Fort Mill zone 8a, last frost Mar 31
Questions
What growing zone is Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney 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 Gaffney?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gaffney is April 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gaffney?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 27 – May 4. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ninety Nine Is, SC (USC00386293), 15.0 km (9.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 152 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.