Belton, TX planting zone & frost dates
Belton is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 14 and the first fall frost around November 20, for a growing season of about 251 days.
Planting calendar for Belton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 14) 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 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 3 – Jan 17 Transplant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Mar 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 20).
Useful for zone 9a 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
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 22 | Mar 14 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 9 | Nov 20 | Oct 29 |
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 October 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Belton
- 76513 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Temple zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Harker Heights zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Killeen zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Fort Cavazos zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Copperas Cove zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Gatesville zone 8b, last frost Mar 19
- Georgetown zone 9a, last frost Mar 6
- Hewitt zone 8b, last frost Mar 9
Questions
What growing zone is Belton, TX?
Belton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8b.
When is the last frost in Belton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Belton is March 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Belton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 21 – Mar 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Stillhouse Hollow Dam, TX (USC00418646), 6.4 km (4.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 215 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.