Frost Dates for Conover, NC 28613
Last spring frost April 11 · First fall frost October 26 · 198 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 28613 has about 23,400 people.
Long season: 198 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 27–April 27 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans October 9–November 11 (33 days).
Frost probability for 28613
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 27 | April 11 | March 27 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 9 | October 26 | November 11 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at LINCOLNTON 4 W (32.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 198-day season in Conover
In Conover (198 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 7 | Apr 25–May 2 | 156 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 25. | Jun 26 |
| Pepper | Feb 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 156 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 25. | Jul 1 |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 21 | 233 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 4 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 21–Mar 28 | 240 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 21. | Aug 24 |
| Cucumber | Mar 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 6 |
| Peas | — | Feb 14–Apr 25 | 261 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 261 available after Feb 14. | Aug 15 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Onion | Jan 17 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 233 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 233 available after Mar 14. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 14–Apr 4 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 23 |
| Kale | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 233 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 233 available after Mar 14. | Jul 31 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 14. | Aug 24 |
| Radish | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 24 |
| Beets | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 28–Apr 4 | 219 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 219 available after Mar 28. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 26 | 303 | overwinter: Plant Oct 26 to Nov 16; harvest the following summer. | Nov 16 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 7–May 2 | 254 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 7; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 170 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 170 available after Apr 18. | Jul 8 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | Apr 25–Apr 25 | 163 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 25. | Jun 13 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 212 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 4. | Aug 5 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 14 | Mar 28–Mar 28 | 219 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 23 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 14 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 14. | Jul 25 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 163 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 25. | Jun 13 |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 | Apr 25–May 2 | 156 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 25. | Jul 6 |
| Okra | Mar 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Basil | Mar 7 | May 2–May 2 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 14–Apr 4 | 233 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Parsley | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 198 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 18. | Aug 10 |
| Celery | Jan 31 | Apr 18–May 2 | 198 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 18. | Jun 21 |
| Scallions | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 3 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 13; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 13 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 28–Mar 14 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 28 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 8 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 14 | Apr 4–Apr 11 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 4 |
| Collards | Jan 31 | Mar 14–Mar 28 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 16. | Sep 3 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 156 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 25. | Jun 21 |
| Chives | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 14–May 9 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 14 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Oregano | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 212 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 17 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 198 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Sage | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 212 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 31 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 28 | Mar 28–Apr 11 | 219 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 28 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Cosmos | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Lavender | Jan 17 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 219 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 219 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 28 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 9 |
| Melons | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 156 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 25. | Jun 21 |
| Mint | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 219 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 219 available after Apr 11. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 177 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 18. | Jul 25 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 163 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 25. | Jun 23 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 184 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 11. | Jul 20 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 14 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 163 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 18. | Jul 1 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 163 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 18. | Jun 26 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 28 | Apr 25–May 2 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 25 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 12. | Aug 4 |
| Zinnias | Mar 14 | Apr 11–Apr 25 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 11 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
Month by month in Conover
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 17), Lavender (Jan 17), Onion (Jan 17), Rosemary (Jan 17), Celery (Jan 31), Collards (Jan 31), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 14), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 14), Cabbage (Feb 14), Lettuce (Feb 14), Sage (Feb 14), Swiss Chard (Feb 14), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 14), Beets (Feb 14), Dill (Feb 14), Peas (Feb 14), Radish (Feb 14), Spinach (Feb 14), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 7), Tomato (Mar 7), Bok Choy (Mar 14), Corn (Mar 14), Cosmos (Mar 14), Nasturtiums (Mar 14), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 14), Turnip (Mar 14), Carrots (Mar 21), Potatoes (Mar 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 14), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 14), Cabbage (Mar 14), Collards (Mar 14), Kale (Mar 14), Lettuce (Mar 14), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 7). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 11), Beans (Apr 18), Pole Beans (Apr 18). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 4), Cauliflower (Apr 4), Cosmos (Apr 11), Lavender (Apr 11), Marigolds (Apr 11), Mint (Apr 11), +24 more. Last frost around April 11. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 2). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 13), Pumpkin (Jun 13), Cantaloupe (Jun 21), Celery (Jun 21), Melons (Jun 21), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 23), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 1), Tomatillos (Jul 1), Eggplant (Jul 6), Corn (Jul 8), Sunflowers (Jul 20), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 25), +6 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 4), Okra (Aug 4), Yellow Squash (Aug 4), Zucchini (Aug 4), Cauliflower (Aug 5), Beans (Aug 6), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 3), Scallions (Sep 3), Bok Choy (Sep 4), Lettuce (Sep 4), Kale (Sep 8), Kohlrabi (Sep 8), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 26). First frost around October 26. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 16). |
| 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 Conover, NC (ZIP 28613)?
The median last spring frost date for Conover, NC (ZIP code 28613) is around April 11. 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 March 27; one in ten it runs past April 27.
What is the first fall frost date in Conover, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Conover, NC is around October 26. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Conover, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Conover is about 198 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 Conover (198 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 Conover, NC?
Conover, NC is in USDA hardiness zone 8a (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 Conover, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 7 and plant out Apr 25 in Conover. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Conover?
Two: plant Mar 14 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 2.
When do I plant garlic in Conover?
Oct 26 to Nov 16; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Conover?
Yes: plant out Apr 25 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 26 for a fall crop.
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