State growing guide
Tennessee Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a · Last frost Mar 28 · First frost Nov 10 · 226 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Tennessee.
Frost Dates by City — Tennessee
Average frost dates for major Tennessee cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 7a | Mar 25 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 25) |
| Memphis | 7b | Mar 15 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 15) |
| Knoxville | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Chattanooga | 7a | Mar 25 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 25) |
| Johnson City | 6a | Apr 10 | Oct 28 | ~2 wks after (Apr 10) |
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 Tennessee Gardeners
- Nashville gardeners transplant tomatoes late March to early April
- Memphis (Zone 7b) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier than Nashville
- Tennessee fall garden planted in August is excellent — collards, kale, brassicas
Common Challenges in Tennessee
- ⚠ Humid summers bring Septoria leaf spot and early blight to tomatoes
- ⚠ East Tennessee mountains (Johnson City) have colder, shorter seasons
Best Crops for Tennessee
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Beans Squash Okra Muscadines Blackberries Sweet Potatoes
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Tennessee
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee Gardening
What zone is Tennessee?
Tennessee ranges from Zone 5b (high Appalachians) to Zone 7b (Memphis area). Nashville is Zone 7a, Knoxville is Zone 7a, and Memphis is Zone 7b.