Midland, TX planting zone & frost dates
Midland is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 26 and the first fall frost around November 9, for a growing season of about 226 days.
Planting calendar for Midland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 26) 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 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 9).
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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 4 | Mar 26 | Apr 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 24 | Nov 9 | Oct 25 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 10.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Midland
- 79701 zone 8b
- 79702 zone 8b
- 79703 zone 8a
- 79704 zone 8b
- 79705 zone 8b
- 79706 zone 8a
- 79707 zone 8a
- 79708 zone 8b
- 79710 zone 8b
- 79711 zone 8a
- 79712 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Odessa zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- West Odessa zone 8b, last frost Mar 19
- Andrews zone 8a, last frost Mar 18
- Big Spring zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
- Snyder zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Lubbock zone 7b, last frost Mar 24
- Levelland zone 7b, last frost Apr 9
- San Angelo zone 8a, last frost Mar 20
Questions
What growing zone is Midland, TX?
Midland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 8b.
When is the last frost in Midland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Midland is March 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Midland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 2 – Apr 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Midland 4 Ene, TX (USC00415891), 5.5 km (3.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 846 m, based on 22 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.