Alabama Planting Guide & Growing Season
Alabama is in USDA hardiness zone 7a-8b with a growing season of 235 days. The average last spring frost is Mar 15 and the average first fall frost is Nov 5. Climate data based on Montgomery.
Growing Conditions in Alabama
How Alabama Compares
Compare Alabama's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
| Colorado (CO) | 3b-7a | May 10 | Oct 1 | 145 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Alabama
When should I start seeds indoors in Alabama?
In Alabama, the average last frost date is Mar 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Alabama is 7a-8b, with a growing season of approximately 235 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Alabama?
Alabama falls in USDA hardiness zones 7a-8b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Alabama?
The average first frost date in Alabama is Nov 5. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Alabama?
Alabama has an average growing season of 235 days, from the last frost (Mar 15) to first frost (Nov 5). This long season supports warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.