Mesquite, TX planting zone & frost dates
Mesquite is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 2 and the first fall frost around November 29, for a growing season of about 272 days.
Planting calendar for Mesquite
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 2) 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 5 – Jan 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 22 – Jan 5 Transplant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 19 – Feb 2 Transplant outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 4 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 29).
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 10 | Mar 2 | Mar 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 18 | Nov 29 | Nov 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 18.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Mesquite
- 75149 zone 8b
- 75150 zone 8b
- 75181 zone 8b
- 75185 zone 8b
- 75187 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Balch Springs zone 8b, last frost Mar 12
- Forney zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Rowlett zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Seagoville zone 8b, last frost Mar 12
- Garland zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Dallas zone 8b, last frost Mar 2
- Sachse zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
- Rockwall zone 8b, last frost Mar 10
Questions
What growing zone is Mesquite, TX?
Mesquite 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 Mesquite?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Mesquite is March 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Mesquite?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 9 – Mar 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Dallas Love Fld, TX (USW00013960), 25.8 km (16.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 134 m, based on 29 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.