Frost Dates for Athens, TN 37303
Last spring frost April 14 · First fall frost October 24 · 193 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 37303 has about 25,700 people.
Long season: 193 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 1–April 27 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans October 11–November 6 (26 days).
Frost probability for 37303
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 27 | April 14 | April 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 11 | October 24 | November 6 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CLEVELAND FLTR PLT (28.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 193-day season in Athens
In Athens (193 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 10 | Apr 28–May 5 | 151 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 28. | Jun 24 |
| Pepper | Mar 3 | Apr 28–May 5 | 151 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 28. | Jun 29 |
| Lettuce | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 24 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 24–Mar 31 | 235 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 24. | Aug 22 |
| Cucumber | Mar 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Beans | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Peas | — | Feb 17–Apr 28 | 256 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 256 available after Feb 17. | Aug 13 |
| Zucchini | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Onion | Jan 20 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 228 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 17. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 17–Apr 7 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 228 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 17. | Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 17. | Aug 22 |
| Radish | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 22 |
| Beets | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 31–Apr 7 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Mar 31. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 24 | 298 | overwinter: Plant Oct 24 to Nov 14; harvest the following summer. | Nov 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 10–May 5 | 249 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 10; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 165 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 21. | Jul 6 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 31 | Apr 28–Apr 28 | 158 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 28. | Jun 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 3 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 207 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 7. | Aug 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 17 | Mar 31–Mar 31 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 17. | Jul 23 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 158 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 28. | Jun 11 |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 151 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 28. | Jul 4 |
| Okra | Mar 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Basil | Mar 10 | May 5–May 5 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 17–Apr 7 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Parsley | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 193 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 21. | Aug 8 |
| Celery | Feb 3 | Apr 21–May 5 | 193 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 21. | Jun 19 |
| Scallions | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 3–Mar 17 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 17 | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Collards | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 151 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 28. | Jun 19 |
| Chives | Jan 20 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Oregano | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 207 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 20 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 193 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Sage | Feb 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 207 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 214 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Cosmos | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Lavender | Jan 20 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Melons | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 151 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 28. | Jun 19 |
| Mint | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 214 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 214 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 172 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 21. | Jul 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 158 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 28. | Jun 21 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 179 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 14. | Jul 18 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 21. | Jun 29 |
| Watermelon | Mar 31 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 158 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 21. | Jun 24 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Zinnias | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
Month by month in Athens
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 20), Lavender (Jan 20), Onion (Jan 20), Rosemary (Jan 20). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 3), Collards (Feb 3), Kale (Feb 3), Oregano (Feb 3), Parsley (Feb 3), Scallions (Feb 3), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 17), Beets (Feb 17), Dill (Feb 17), Peas (Feb 17), Radish (Feb 17), Spinach (Feb 17). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 3), Cauliflower (Mar 3), Marigolds (Mar 3), Pepper (Mar 3), Basil (Mar 10), Tomato (Mar 10), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 3), Cilantro (Mar 17), Turnip (Mar 17), Carrots (Mar 24), Potatoes (Mar 31). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 17), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 17), Cabbage (Mar 17), Collards (Mar 17), Kale (Mar 17), Lettuce (Mar 17), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 10). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 14), Beans (Apr 21), Pole Beans (Apr 21). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 7), Cauliflower (Apr 7), Cosmos (Apr 14), Lavender (Apr 14), Marigolds (Apr 14), Mint (Apr 14), +24 more. Last frost around April 14. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 5). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 11), Pumpkin (Jun 11), Cantaloupe (Jun 19), Celery (Jun 19), Melons (Jun 19), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 21), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 4), Corn (Jul 6), Sunflowers (Jul 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 23), Pole Beans (Jul 23), Basil (Jul 28), +4 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 2), Okra (Aug 2), Yellow Squash (Aug 2), Zucchini (Aug 2), Cauliflower (Aug 3), Beans (Aug 4), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 1), Scallions (Sep 1), Bok Choy (Sep 2), Lettuce (Sep 2), Kale (Sep 6), Kohlrabi (Sep 6), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 24). First frost around October 24. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 14). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Athens, TN (ZIP 37303)?
The median last spring frost date for Athens, TN (ZIP code 37303) is around April 14. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 1; one in ten it runs past April 27.
What is the first fall frost date in Athens, TN?
The median first fall frost date for Athens, TN is around October 24. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Athens, TN?
The frost-free growing season in Athens is about 193 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Athens (193 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Athens, TN?
Athens, TN is in USDA hardiness zone 7b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Athens, TN?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 10 and plant out Apr 28 in Athens. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Athens?
Two: plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31.
When do I plant garlic in Athens?
Oct 24 to Nov 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Athens?
Yes: plant out Apr 28 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 24 for a fall crop.
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