Harker Heights, TX planting zone & frost dates
Harker Heights is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 14 and the first fall frost around November 17, for a growing season of about 247 days.
Planting calendar for Harker Heights
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 22 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 17).
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 | Feb 24 | Mar 14 | Apr 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 6 | Nov 17 | Nov 1 |
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 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Harker Heights
- 76548 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Killeen zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Fort Cavazos zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Belton zone 9a, last frost Mar 14
- Copperas Cove zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Temple zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Gatesville zone 8b, last frost Mar 19
- Georgetown zone 9a, last frost Mar 6
- Leander zone 8b, last frost Mar 6
Questions
What growing zone is Harker Heights, TX?
Harker Heights 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 Harker Heights?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Harker Heights is March 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Harker Heights?
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 Killeen, TX (USC00414792), 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 248 m, based on 13 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.