Frost Dates for Liberty, NC 27298
Last spring frost April 6 · First fall frost October 30 · 207 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 27298 has about 10,100 people.
Long season: 207 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 21–April 21 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans October 10–November 18 (39 days).
Frost probability for 27298
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 21 | April 6 | March 21 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 10 | October 30 | November 18 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at BURLINGTON FIRE STN #5 (22.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 207-day season in Liberty
In Liberty (207 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 2 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jun 30 |
| Pepper | Feb 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jul 5 |
| Lettuce | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 16 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 8 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 16–Mar 23 | 249 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 249 available after Mar 16. | Aug 28 |
| Cucumber | Mar 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
| Beans | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Peas | — | Feb 9–Apr 20 | 270 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 270 available after Feb 9. | Aug 19 |
| Zucchini | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Onion | Jan 12 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 242 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 9. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 9–Mar 30 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 27; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 27 |
| Kale | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 12 |
| Broccoli | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 242 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 242 available after Mar 9. | Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 9. | Aug 28 |
| Radish | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 28; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 28 |
| Beets | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 23–Mar 30 | 228 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 23. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 30 | 312 | overwinter: Plant Oct 30 to Nov 20; harvest the following summer. | Nov 20 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 2–Apr 27 | 263 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 2; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 179 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 13. | Jul 12 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 20 | 172 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 20. | Jun 17 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 23 | Mar 30–Apr 13 | 221 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 30. | Aug 9 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 9 | Mar 23–Mar 23 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 284 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Sep 27; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 27 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 9 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 256 available after Mar 9. | Jul 29 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 172 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 20. | Jun 17 |
| Eggplant | Feb 16 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jul 10 |
| Okra | Mar 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 186 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 13 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Basil | Mar 2 | Apr 27–Apr 27 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 27 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 9–Mar 30 | 242 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 3 |
| Parsley | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 207 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 13. | Aug 14 |
| Celery | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 207 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 13. | Jun 25 |
| Scallions | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 7 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 17 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 23–Mar 9 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 23 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 12 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 9 | Mar 30–Apr 6 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 30 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 8 |
| Collards | Jan 26 | Mar 9–Mar 23 | 256 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 20. | Sep 7 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jun 25 |
| Chives | Jan 12 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 221 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 221 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 9–May 4 | 270 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 9 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 6. | Aug 29 |
| Oregano | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 221 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 221 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 12 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 207 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Sage | Feb 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 221 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 221 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 26 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 221 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 221 available after Apr 13. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 23 | Mar 23–Apr 6 | 228 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 6. | Sep 3 |
| Cosmos | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
| Lavender | Jan 12 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 228 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 228 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 23 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 13 |
| Melons | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jun 25 |
| Mint | — | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 228 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 228 available after Apr 6. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 13 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 13–Apr 27 | 186 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 13. | Jul 29 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 172 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 20. | Jun 27 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 193 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 193 available after Apr 6. | Jul 24 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 9 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 172 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 13. | Jul 5 |
| Watermelon | Mar 23 | Apr 13–Apr 20 | 172 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 13. | Jun 30 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Zinnias | Mar 9 | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
Month by month in Liberty
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 12), Lavender (Jan 12), Onion (Jan 12), Rosemary (Jan 12), Celery (Jan 26), Collards (Jan 26), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 9), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 9), Cabbage (Feb 9), Lettuce (Feb 9), Sage (Feb 9), Swiss Chard (Feb 9), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 9), Beets (Feb 9), Dill (Feb 9), Peas (Feb 9), Radish (Feb 9), Spinach (Feb 9), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 2), Tomato (Mar 2), Bok Choy (Mar 9), Corn (Mar 9), Cosmos (Mar 9), Nasturtiums (Mar 9), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 9), Turnip (Mar 9), Carrots (Mar 16), Potatoes (Mar 23). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 9), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 9), Cabbage (Mar 9), Collards (Mar 9), Kale (Mar 9), Lettuce (Mar 9), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 2). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 6), Beans (Apr 13), Pole Beans (Apr 13). Transplant from: Cosmos (Apr 6), Lavender (Apr 6), Marigolds (Apr 6), Mint (Apr 6), Nasturtiums (Apr 6), Zinnias (Apr 6), +23 more. Last frost around April 6. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 17), Pumpkin (Jun 17), Cantaloupe (Jun 25), Celery (Jun 25), Melons (Jun 25), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 27), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 5), Tomatillos (Jul 5), Eggplant (Jul 10), Corn (Jul 12), Sunflowers (Jul 24), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 29), +1 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Basil (Aug 3), Cosmos (Aug 3), Cucumber (Aug 3), Zinnias (Aug 3), Broccoli (Aug 4), Nasturtiums (Aug 8), +13 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Sep 3), Cilantro (Sep 3), Collards (Sep 7), Scallions (Sep 7), Bok Choy (Sep 8), Lettuce (Sep 8), +6 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 30). First frost around October 30. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 20). |
| 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 Liberty, NC (ZIP 27298)?
The median last spring frost date for Liberty, NC (ZIP code 27298) is around April 6. 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 21; one in ten it runs past April 21.
What is the first fall frost date in Liberty, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Liberty, NC is around October 30. 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 Liberty, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Liberty is about 207 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 Liberty (207 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 Liberty, NC?
Liberty, 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 Liberty, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 2 and plant out Apr 20 in Liberty. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Liberty?
Two: plant Mar 9 and again by Sep 8; both mature before Nov 6.
When do I plant garlic in Liberty?
Oct 30 to Nov 20; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Liberty?
Yes: plant out Apr 20 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 30 for a fall crop.
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