Palestine, TX planting zone & frost dates
Palestine is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 23 and the first fall frost around November 9, for a growing season of about 234 days.
Planting calendar for Palestine
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 23) 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 26 – Feb 9 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 12 – Jan 26 Transplant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
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 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 | Mar 2 | Mar 23 | Apr 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 29 | Nov 9 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 9.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Palestine
- 75801 zone 8b
- 75802 zone 8b
- 75803 zone 8b
- 75882 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Jacksonville zone 8b, last frost Mar 22
- Athens zone 8b, last frost Mar 18
- Tyler zone 8b, last frost Mar 7
- Corsicana zone 8b, last frost Mar 14
- Henderson zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Kilgore zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Nacogdoches zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Lufkin zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
Questions
What growing zone is Palestine, TX?
Palestine 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 Palestine?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Palestine is March 23. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Palestine?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 30 – Apr 6. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Palestine 2 Ne, TX (USW00093914), 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 142 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.