Lexington, SC planting zone & frost dates
Lexington is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 25 and the first fall frost around November 7, for a growing season of about 229 days.
Planting calendar for Lexington
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 25) 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 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 Transplant outdoors: Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 12 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 7).
Useful for zone 8b 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 4 | Mar 25 | Apr 10 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 24 | Nov 7 | Oct 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 10, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 10.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lexington
- 29071 zone 8b
- 29072 zone 8b
- 29073 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Oak Grove zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Seven Oaks zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Irmo zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Saint Andrews zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- West Columbia zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Cayce zone 8b, last frost Mar 25
- Columbia zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Forest Acres zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
Questions
What growing zone is Lexington, SC?
Lexington is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Lexington?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lexington is March 25. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lexington?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 1 – Apr 8. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Columbia, SC (USW00013883), 11.4 km (7.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 70 m, based on 30 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.