Tennessee Planting Guide & Growing Season
Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zone 6a-7b with a growing season of 200 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 5 and the average first fall frost is Oct 20.
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) | 6a-7b | Apr 5 | Oct 20 | 200 |
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Tennessee
When should I start seeds indoors in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the average last frost date is Apr 5. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Tennessee is 6a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 200 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Tennessee?
Tennessee falls in USDA hardiness zones 6a-7b. 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 20. 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 (Apr 5) to first frost (Oct 20). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
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