Memphis, TN planting zone & frost dates
Memphis is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 16 and the first fall frost around November 16, for a growing season of about 244 days.
Planting calendar for Memphis
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 16) 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 19 – Feb 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 21 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 16).
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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 27 | Mar 16 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 3 | Nov 16 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Memphis
- 37501 zone 8a
- 37544 zone 8a
- 38101 zone 8a
- 38103 zone 8a
- 38104 zone 8a
- 38105 zone 8a
- 38106 zone 8a
- 38107 zone 8a
- 38108 zone 8a
- 38109 zone 8a
- 38111 zone 8a
- 38112 zone 8a
- 38113 zone 8a
- 38114 zone 8a
- 38115 zone 8a
- 38116 zone 8a
- 38117 zone 8a
- 38118 zone 8a
- 38119 zone 8a
- 38120 zone 8a
- 38122 zone 8a
- 38124 zone 8a
- 38125 zone 8a
- 38126 zone 8a
- 38127 zone 8a
- 38128 zone 8a
- 38130 zone 8a
- 38131 zone 8a
- 38132 zone 8a
- 38133 zone 8a
- 38134 zone 8a
- 38135 zone 8a
- 38136 zone 8a
- 38137 zone 8a
- 38141 zone 8a
- 38145 zone 8a
- 38148 zone 8a
- 38150 zone 8a
- 38151 zone 8a
- 38157 zone 8a
- 38159 zone 8a
- 38161 zone 8a
- 38163 zone 8a
- 38166 zone 8a
- 38167 zone 8a
- 38168 zone 8a
- 38173 zone 8a
- 38174 zone 8a
- 38175 zone 8a
- 38177 zone 8a
- 38181 zone 8a
- 38182 zone 8a
- 38184 zone 8a
- 38186 zone 8a
- 38187 zone 8a
- 38188 zone 8a
- 38190 zone 8a
- 38193 zone 8a
- 38194 zone 8a
- 38197 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Bartlett zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Ellendale zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Millington zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Germantown zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Cordova zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Lakeland zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Collierville zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
- Arlington zone 8a, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Memphis, TN?
Memphis 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 Memphis?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Memphis is March 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Memphis?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 23 – Mar 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Memphis Intl Ap, TN (USW00013893), 11.8 km (7.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 77 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.