Frost Dates for Dobson, NC 27017
Last spring frost April 23 · First fall frost October 17 · 177 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 27017 has about 10,100 people.
Moderate season: 177 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 6–May 11 (35 days). Fall frost risk spans October 4–October 31 (27 days).
Frost probability for 27017
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 11 | April 23 | April 6 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 4 | October 17 | October 31 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MT AIRY 2 W (16.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 177-day season in Dobson
In Dobson (177 frost-free days, a moderate 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 19 | May 7–May 14 | 135 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 135 available after May 7. | Jun 17 |
| Pepper | Mar 12 | May 7–May 14 | 135 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 135 available after May 7. | Jun 22 |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 2 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 2–Apr 9 | 219 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 219 available after Apr 2. | Aug 15 |
| Cucumber | Apr 2 | May 7–May 14 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Beans | — | Apr 30–May 14 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Peas | — | Feb 26–May 7 | 240 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 240 available after Feb 26. | Aug 6 |
| Zucchini | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Onion | Jan 29 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 212 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 212 available after Mar 26. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 26–Apr 16 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Kale | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 212 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 212 available after Mar 26. | Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 26. | Aug 15 |
| Radish | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Oct 24. | Sep 15 |
| Beets | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 198 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 17 | 282 | overwinter: Plant Oct 17 to Nov 7; harvest the following summer. | Nov 7 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 19–May 14 | 233 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 19; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 149 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 149 available after Apr 30. | Jun 29 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 9 | May 7–May 7 | 142 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 142 available after May 7. | Jun 4 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 12 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 191 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 16. | Jul 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 26 | Apr 9–Apr 9 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 26. | Jul 16 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 142 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 142 available after May 7. | Jun 4 |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 | May 7–May 14 | 135 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 135 available after May 7. | Jun 27 |
| Okra | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 156 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Basil | Mar 19 | May 14–May 14 | 142 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 26–Apr 16 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Parsley | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 177 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 30. | Aug 1 |
| Celery | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 14 | 177 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 30. | Jun 12 |
| Scallions | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 4 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 12–Mar 26 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 26 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Collards | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 135 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 135 available after May 7. | Jun 12 |
| Chives | Jan 29 | Apr 30–May 7 | 191 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Oregano | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 191 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 29 | Apr 30–May 7 | 177 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Sage | Feb 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 191 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 191 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Cosmos | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Lavender | Jan 29 | Apr 23–May 7 | 198 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 12 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 31 |
| Melons | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 135 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 135 available after May 7. | Jun 12 |
| Mint | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 198 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 26 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 30–May 14 | 156 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 30. | Jul 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 7. | Jun 14 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 163 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 23. | Jul 11 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 142 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 142 available after Apr 30. | Jun 22 |
| Watermelon | Apr 9 | Apr 30–May 7 | 142 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 142 available after Apr 30. | Jun 17 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Zinnias | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
Month by month in Dobson
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 29), Lavender (Jan 29), Onion (Jan 29), Rosemary (Jan 29). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 12), Collards (Feb 12), Kale (Feb 12), Oregano (Feb 12), Parsley (Feb 12), Scallions (Feb 12), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 26), Beets (Feb 26), Dill (Feb 26), Peas (Feb 26), Radish (Feb 26), Spinach (Feb 26). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 5), Calendula (Mar 12), Cauliflower (Mar 12), Marigolds (Mar 12), Pepper (Mar 12), Basil (Mar 19), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 12), Cilantro (Mar 26), Turnip (Mar 26). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 26), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 26), Cabbage (Mar 26), Collards (Mar 26), Kale (Mar 26), Lettuce (Mar 26), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 19). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 2), Butternut Squash (Apr 9), Cantaloupe (Apr 9), Melons (Apr 9), Pumpkin (Apr 9), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 9), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 2), Potatoes (Apr 9), Sunflowers (Apr 23), Beans (Apr 30), Pole Beans (Apr 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 9), Swiss Chard (Apr 9), Bok Choy (Apr 16), Cauliflower (Apr 16), Cosmos (Apr 23), Lavender (Apr 23), +15 more. Last frost around April 23. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 7), Cantaloupe (May 7), Cucumber (May 7), Eggplant (May 7), Melons (May 7), Pepper (May 7), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 4), Pumpkin (Jun 4), Cantaloupe (Jun 12), Celery (Jun 12), Melons (Jun 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 14), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 11), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 16), Pole Beans (Jul 16), Basil (Jul 21), Cosmos (Jul 21), Cucumber (Jul 21), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Parsley (Aug 1), Peas (Aug 6), Cabbage (Aug 15), Carrots (Aug 15), Beets (Aug 16), Dill (Aug 16), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 4), Arugula (Sep 14), Spinach (Sep 14), Radish (Sep 15). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 17). First frost around October 17. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 7). |
| 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 Dobson, NC (ZIP 27017)?
The median last spring frost date for Dobson, NC (ZIP code 27017) is around April 23. 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 6; one in ten it runs past May 11.
What is the first fall frost date in Dobson, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Dobson, NC is around October 17. 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 4 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Dobson, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Dobson is about 177 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 Dobson (177 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Dobson, NC?
Dobson, NC 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 Dobson, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 19 and plant out May 7 in Dobson. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Dobson?
Two: plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24.
When do I plant garlic in Dobson?
Oct 17 to Nov 7; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
King (ZIP 27021) has 185 frost-free days, 8 more than Dobson (ZIP 27017). See King ZIP 27021 frost dates
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