State growing guide
South Carolina Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7b/8a · Last frost Mar 14 · First frost Nov 22 · 252 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in South Carolina.
Frost Dates by City — South Carolina
Average frost dates for major South Carolina cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 8a | Mar 10 | Nov 25 | ~2 wks after (Mar 10) |
| Charleston | 8a | Mar 5 | Nov 28 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
| Greenville | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Myrtle Beach | 8b | Feb 20 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 20) |
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 South Carolina Gardeners
- Columbia and Charleston gardeners transplant tomatoes February–March
- SC has a long growing season — an August fall garden is very productive
- Low Country coastal gardens can grow year-round with smart crop selection
Common Challenges in South Carolina
- ⚠ Extreme summer heat and humidity promote fungal disease
- ⚠ Nematodes are a problem in sandy coastal soils
Best Crops for South Carolina
Peaches Tomatoes Peppers Collard Greens Sweet Potatoes Watermelon Okra Beans
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in South Carolina
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina Gardening
What zone is South Carolina?
South Carolina ranges from Zone 7a (Blue Ridge foothills) to Zone 8b (Myrtle Beach coast). Columbia is Zone 8a, Greenville is Zone 7b, and the coast is Zone 8a–8b.