Tennessee Planting Guide & Growing Season
Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 200 days. The average last spring frost is Mar 30 - Apr 20 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15 - Nov 1.
Growing Conditions in Tennessee
How Tennessee Compares
Compare Tennessee's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | Mar 30 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | 200 | |
| Alabama (AL) | Mar 1 - Apr 1 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 | 220 | |
| Alaska (AK) | May 15 - Jun 15 | Aug 15 - Sep 15 | 105 | |
| Arizona (AZ) | Feb 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 15 | 270 | |
| Arkansas (AR) | Mar 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | 210 | |
| California (CA) | Jan 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 31 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Tennessee
When should I start seeds indoors in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the average last frost date is Mar 30 - Apr 20. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Tennessee is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 200 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Tennessee?
Tennessee falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Tennessee?
The average first frost date in Tennessee is Oct 15 - Nov 1. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Tennessee?
Tennessee has an average growing season of 200 days, from the last frost (Mar 30 - Apr 20) to first frost (Oct 15 - Nov 1). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
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