State growing guide
Alabama Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7b/8a · Last frost Mar 1 · First frost Nov 20 · 264 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Alabama.
Frost Dates by City — Alabama
Average frost dates for major Alabama cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 7b | Mar 15 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 15) |
| Montgomery | 8a | Feb 25 | Nov 25 | ~2 wks after (Feb 25) |
| Mobile | 8b | Feb 10 | Dec 10 | ~2 wks after (Feb 10) |
| Huntsville | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Tuscaloosa | 8a | Feb 28 | Nov 25 | ~2 wks after (Feb 28) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Alabama Gardeners
- Start tomatoes indoors in late January – early February
- Direct sow beans and squash after last frost in early March
- Plant a second crop of tomatoes in late July for fall harvest
- Use shade cloth in July–August to protect from heat over 95°F
- Cool-season crops like kale and collards do best Sept–April
Common Challenges in Alabama
- ⚠ High summer humidity promotes fungal disease — spray copper preventatively
- ⚠ Tomato blossom drop above 95°F is common June–August
- ⚠ Japanese beetles are heavy in central Alabama — pick by hand or use kaolin clay
Best Crops for Alabama
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Alabama
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Alabama Gardening
When is the last frost in Alabama?
Alabama last frost dates range from early February in Mobile (Zone 8b) to early April in the northern mountains. Central Alabama (Birmingham, Montgomery) typically sees last frost between February 25 and March 15.
What zone is Alabama?
Alabama spans USDA Hardiness Zones 7a through 8b. Northern Alabama (Huntsville area) is Zone 7a, Birmingham is Zone 7b, Montgomery is Zone 8a, and coastal areas near Mobile are Zone 8b.
Can I grow tomatoes year-round in Alabama?
Not quite year-round, but close in southern Alabama. You can grow two tomato crops: spring (transplant February–March) and fall (start indoors July, transplant August). The window from June–August is too hot for fruit set.
When should I plant vegetables in Alabama?
For spring crops in central Alabama: transplant tomatoes and peppers in mid-March, direct sow beans and squash in late March, and plant cool-season greens from September–October. The fall garden is often more productive than spring.