Frost Date Finder

Enter your zip code to get your first and last frost dates. Plan your garden with complete confidence.

Or select your zone manually:

Understanding Your Frost Dates

A customized frost date calendar is a vital tool for any homestead or backyard garden. Our finder determines your exact zone. It uses average first and last frost dates to help you plan. You can use this information to dramatically increase your chances of a bountiful harvest.

Why do frost dates matter?

Frost dates mark the boundaries of your growing season. Tender plants like tomatoes and peppers cannot survive freezing temperatures. You must wait until after the last spring frost to plant them outside. You also need to harvest them before the first fall frost arrives.

Starting indoors versus direct sowing

Every vegetable is unique. Plants with a long growing season require an indoor start under grow lights. You should start them several weeks before your final frost. Fast growing root vegetables despise having their roots disturbed. They should almost always be direct sown into the garden bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a USDA hardiness zone?

USDA hardiness zones are geographical areas defined by their average annual minimum temperatures. Gardeners use these zones to determine which perennial plants will survive their winters. They also serve as a shorthand for predicting local first and last frost dates.

How accurate are these frost dates?

The frost dates are historical averages. Weather can vary from year to year. You should always watch your local forecast before deciding to move tender seedlings outdoors.

Can I plant after the last frost date?

Yes. You generally begin planting on or after your last spring frost. Many gardeners practice succession sowing. They plant new crops every two weeks throughout the season to ensure a continuous harvest.