§ When to plant · Tennessee · Checked Sept 2026
In Nashville, tender crops like tomatoes and peppers can go out around April 18, and frost has historically passed 9 years in 10 by May 4. Cool-season crops go in from February, and again from July for fall.
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§ 010 · Frost dates
Based on NOAA's 1991–2020 station records, with adjustments for tender crops.
| City · NOAA station | Last frost, on average | Plant tender crops from | Frost is over, 9 of 10 years by | Fall frost possible from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BartlettMEMPHIS WFO · 12 km | Mar 29 | Apr 12April 12 | Apr 25 | Oct 25 |
| BrentwoodBRENTWOOD · 0 km | Apr 15 | Apr 30April 30 | May 15 | Oct 13 |
| ChattanoogaCHATTANOOGA LOVELL AIRPORT · 6 km | Mar 24 | Apr 7April 7 | Apr 20 | Oct 27 |
| ClarksvilleCLARKSVILLE WWTP · 2 km | Apr 3 | Apr 17April 17 | Apr 30 | Oct 20 |
| ClevelandCLEVELAND FLTR PLT · 8 km | Apr 6 | Apr 20April 20 | May 4 | Oct 18 |
| ColliervilleCOLLIERVILLE · 4 km | Mar 29 | Apr 12April 12 | Apr 26 | Oct 22 |
| ColumbiaCOLUMBIA 3 WNW · 4 km | Apr 10 | Apr 24April 24 | May 7 | Oct 16 |
| FranklinFRANKLIN SEWAGE PLT · 3 km | Apr 3 | Apr 18April 18 | May 2 | Oct 18 |
| GallatinBETHPAGE 1 S · 16 km | Apr 16 | Apr 29April 29 | May 11 | Oct 10 |
| HendersonvilleOLD HICKORY DAM · 5 km | Apr 11 | Apr 25April 25 | May 8 | Oct 18 |
| JacksonJACKSON EXPERIMENT STATION · 4 km | Apr 2 | Apr 16April 16 | Apr 30 | Oct 16 |
| Johnson CityELIZABETHTON · 12 km | Apr 19 | May 3May 3 | May 17 | Oct 10 |
| KingsportKINGSPORT · 2 km | Apr 9 | Apr 25April 25 | May 10 | Oct 15 |
| KnoxvilleKNOXVILLE EXPERIMENT STATION · 8 km | Apr 11 | Apr 26April 26 | May 10 | Oct 13 |
| LebanonLEBANON · 4 km | Apr 6 | Apr 21April 21 | May 5 | Oct 15 |
| MemphisMEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT · 6 km | Mar 16 | Apr 1April 1 | Apr 16 | Nov 2 |
| MurfreesboroMURFREESBORO 5 N · 9 km | Apr 9 | Apr 24April 24 | May 8 | Oct 15 |
| NashvilleSHELBY BOTTOMS NATURE · 5 km | Apr 1 | Apr 18April 18 | May 4 | Oct 18 |
| SmyrnaSMYRNA 6S · 7 km | Apr 13 | Apr 29April 29 | May 15 | Oct 8 |
| Spring HillTHOMPSON STATION · 2 km | Apr 3 | Apr 18April 18 | May 2 | Oct 20 |
Tennessee's 20 largest cities (U.S. Census Bureau 2025 estimates), A to Z, each with its nearest NOAA station and the distance to it. Search any town to get its nearest station. "Plant tender crops from" is halfway between the average last frost and the date frost is over 9 years in 10; if frost is in the forecast after it, wait until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
§ 020 · What to plant
Planting windows from Tennessee's Cooperative Extension Service. Filter by season or crop group; every view has its own link.
Link to this view getezina.com/when-to-plant/tennessee/
§ 030 · Crop by crop
Each crop has its own link, like #tomatoes. Tender crops wait for the frost dates above; succession crops are sown again every few weeks for a steady harvest.
Beta vulgaris
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant March to April, and again September to October.
Ready in about 58 days; sow again every 6 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Plant March to April, and again August to September.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 65 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Plant March to April, and again August to September.
Ready in about 110 days from seed, 80 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucumis melo
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 80 days from seed, 70 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Daucus carota
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant March to May, and again August to September.
Ready in about 70 days; sow again every 7 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Plant March to April, and again July to August.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 68 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Plant February to April, and again July to September.
Ready in about 65 days from seed, 55 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucumis sativus
TenderSuccession sow
Plant May to June, and again July to August.
Ready in about 58 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum melongena
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Phaseolus vulgaris
TenderSuccession sow
Plant April to June, and again July to August.
Ready in about 55 days; sow again every 5 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica oleracea
Cool season
Plant February to April, and again August to September.
Ready in about 60 days from seed, 45 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Lactuca sativa
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant March to April, and again August to September.
Ready in about 65 days from seed, 50 from transplants; sow again every 6 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Phaseolus lunatus
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 75 days. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica juncea
Cool season
Plant February to April, and again July to September.
Ready in about 45 days.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Abelmoschus esculentus
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 55 days from seed, 45 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Allium cepa
Cool season
Plant March to April.
Ready in about 110 days from seed, 95 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Pisum sativum
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant February to April.
Ready in about 65 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Capsicum annuum
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 70 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum tuberosum
Cool season
Plant March to April, and again July.
Ready in about 100 days.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita pepo
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 110 days from seed, 95 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Raphanus sativus
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant March to April, and again August to October.
Ready in about 28 days; sow again every 3 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Spinacia oleracea
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant February to April, and again September to October.
Ready in about 42 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita pepo
TenderSuccession sow
Plant May to June, and again July to August.
Ready in about 50 days from seed, 40 from transplants; sow again every 7 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Zea mays
TenderSuccession sow
Plant April to July.
Ready in about 78 days; sow again every 6 weeks. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Ipomoea batatas
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 100 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Beta vulgaris
Cool season
Plant March to April, and again September to October.
Ready in about 55 days from seed, 40 from transplants.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Solanum lycopersicum
Tender
Plant April to June, and again July.
Ready in about 75 days from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Brassica rapa
Cool seasonSuccession sow
Plant March to April, and again July to September.
Ready in about 50 days; sow again every 5 weeks.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Citrullus lanatus
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 85 days from seed, 75 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
Cucurbita moschata
Tender
Plant May to June.
Ready in about 95 days from seed, 80 from transplants. Tender: in spring, from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, hold off until it passes and nights stay above 36°F.
Source: University of Tennessee Extension, UT Institute of Agriculture, The Tennessee Vegetable Garden: Garden Planning, Plant Preparation and Planting (Backyard Vegetables / The Backyard Series). Days to harvest: Ezina crop catalog, from state extension guides.
§ 040 · Questions
On average from about March 16 in Memphis to April 19 in Johnson City. Frost is over 9 years in 10 by April 16 to May 17.
The extension service lists April to June. Tomatoes are frost-tender, so Ezina dates them from about April 18 in Nashville. If frost is in the forecast, wait until it passes.
The extension calendar lists beets, radishes, spinach, swiss chard for October.
The latest fall windows on the calendar close in October. Filter by Fall above to see what is still open.
A zone is the coldest winter night, not a frost date. These dates come from NOAA station records and the extension service.
Yes. Run Ezina Dig on your address and your bed plans are dated from that site's own frost records, on iPhone and Android in the contiguous U.S.