Oak Ridge, TN planting zone & frost dates
Oak Ridge is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 5 and the first fall frost around November 1, for a growing season of about 210 days.
Planting calendar for Oak Ridge
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 5) 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 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 6 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 1).
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 19 | Apr 5 | Apr 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 13 | Nov 1 | Oct 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Oak Ridge
- 37830 zone 7b
- 37831 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Clinton zone 7b, last frost Mar 31
- Farragut zone 7b, last frost Apr 5
- Knoxville zone 7b, last frost Apr 11
- Maryville zone 7b, last frost Apr 1
- Seymour zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Athens zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Sevierville zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- Crossville zone 7a, last frost Apr 16
Questions
What growing zone is Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Oak Ridge is April 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Oak Ridge?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 12 – Apr 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Oak Ridge Atdd, TN (USW00003841), 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 276 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.