Frost Dates for Dayton, TN 37321
Last spring frost April 14 · First fall frost October 22 · 191 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 37321 has about 21,100 people.
Long season: 191 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 1–April 27 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans October 10–November 4 (25 days).
Frost probability for 37321
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 27 | April 14 | April 1 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 10 | October 22 | November 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CLEVELAND FLTR PLT (37.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 191-day season in Dayton
In Dayton (191 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 | 149 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 28. | Jun 22 |
| Pepper | Mar 3 | Apr 28–May 5 | 149 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 28. | Jun 27 |
| Lettuce | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 24 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 31 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 24–Mar 31 | 233 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 233 available after Mar 24. | Aug 20 |
| Cucumber | Mar 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Beans | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Peas | — | Feb 17–Apr 28 | 254 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 254 available after Feb 17. | Aug 11 |
| Zucchini | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Onion | Jan 20 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 226 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 17. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 17–Apr 7 | 268 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 19 |
| Kale | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 226 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 17. | Jul 27 |
| Cabbage | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 17. | Aug 20 |
| Radish | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 20; both mature before Oct 29. | Sep 20 |
| Beets | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 31–Apr 7 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Mar 31. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 22 | 296 | overwinter: Plant Oct 22 to Nov 12; harvest the following summer. | Nov 12 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 10–May 5 | 247 | 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 | 163 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 21. | Jul 4 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 31 | Apr 28–Apr 28 | 156 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 28. | Jun 9 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 3 | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 205 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 7. | Aug 1 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 17 | Mar 31–Mar 31 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 268 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 19 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 17 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 17. | Jul 21 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 156 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 28. | Jun 9 |
| Eggplant | Feb 24 | Apr 28–May 5 | 149 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 28. | Jul 2 |
| Okra | Mar 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Basil | Mar 10 | May 5–May 5 | 156 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 17–Apr 7 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Parsley | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 191 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 21. | Aug 6 |
| Celery | Feb 3 | Apr 21–May 5 | 191 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 21. | Jun 17 |
| Scallions | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 12. | Aug 30 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 9 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 3–Mar 17 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 3 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 12. | Sep 4 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 17 | Apr 7–Apr 14 | 205 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 31 |
| Collards | Feb 3 | Mar 17–Mar 31 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 12. | Aug 30 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 149 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 28. | Jun 17 |
| Chives | Jan 20 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 205 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 17–May 12 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 17 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 21 |
| Oregano | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 205 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 20 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 191 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Sage | Feb 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 205 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 3 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 205 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 3 | Mar 31–Apr 14 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 31 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 29. | Aug 26 |
| Cosmos | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Lavender | Jan 20 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 3 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 5 |
| Melons | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 149 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 28. | Jun 17 |
| Mint | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 21 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 170 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 170 available after Apr 21. | Jul 21 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 156 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 28. | Jun 19 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 177 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 14. | Jul 16 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 17 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 156 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 21. | Jun 27 |
| Watermelon | Mar 31 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 156 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 21. | Jun 22 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 31 | Apr 28–May 5 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 28 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Zinnias | Mar 17 | Apr 14–Apr 28 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 14 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
Month by month in Dayton
| 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 9), Pumpkin (Jun 9), Cantaloupe (Jun 17), Celery (Jun 17), Melons (Jun 17), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 19), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 2), Corn (Jul 4), Sunflowers (Jul 16), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 21), Pole Beans (Jul 21), Basil (Jul 26), +8 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cauliflower (Aug 1), Beans (Aug 2), Marigolds (Aug 5), Parsley (Aug 6), Peas (Aug 11), Cabbage (Aug 20), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 4), Kohlrabi (Sep 4), Turnip (Sep 9), Arugula (Sep 19), Spinach (Sep 19), Radish (Sep 20). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 22). First frost around October 22. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 12). |
| 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 Dayton, TN (ZIP 37321)?
The median last spring frost date for Dayton, TN (ZIP code 37321) 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 Dayton, TN?
The median first fall frost date for Dayton, TN is around October 22. 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 10 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Dayton, TN?
The frost-free growing season in Dayton is about 191 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 Dayton (191 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 Dayton, TN?
Dayton, 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 Dayton, TN?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 10 and plant out Apr 28 in Dayton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Dayton?
Two: plant Mar 17 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 29.
When do I plant garlic in Dayton?
Oct 22 to Nov 12; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Dayton?
Yes: plant out Apr 28 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 22 for a fall crop.
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