Frost Dates for Meridian, MS 39301
Meridian has 4 ZIP codes. The Meridian, MS frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost March 25 · First fall frost November 6 · 226 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
ZIP 39301 has about 20,800 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Meridian.
Long season: 226 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 4–April 16 (43 days). Fall frost risk spans October 10–November 23 (44 days).
Frost probability for 39301
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 16 | March 25 | March 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 10 | November 6 | November 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at QUITMAN 2 NNE (25.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 226-day season in Meridian
In Meridian (226 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 | Feb 18 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 184 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 8. | Jul 7 |
| Pepper | Feb 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 184 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 8. | Jul 12 |
| Lettuce | Jan 28 | Feb 25–Mar 4 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 15 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 4–Mar 11 | 268 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 268 available after Mar 4. | Sep 4 |
| Cucumber | Mar 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Beans | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 17; both mature before Oct 30. | Aug 17 |
| Peas | — | Jan 28–Apr 8 | 289 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 289 available after Jan 28. | Aug 26 |
| Zucchini | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Onion | Dec 31 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 261 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 261 available after Feb 25. | — |
| Spinach | — | Jan 28–Mar 18 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 28 and again by Oct 4; both mature before Nov 27. | Oct 4 |
| Kale | Jan 14 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Broccoli | Jan 28 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 261 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 261 available after Feb 25. | Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Jan 28 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 25. | Sep 4 |
| Radish | — | Jan 28–Apr 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 28 and again by Oct 5; both mature before Nov 13. | Oct 5 |
| Beets | — | Jan 28–Apr 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 28 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 11–Mar 18 | 247 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 11. | — |
| Garlic | — | Nov 6 | 331 | overwinter: Plant Nov 6 to Nov 27; harvest the following summer. | Nov 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Feb 18–Apr 15 | 282 | perennial: A perennial: plant Feb 18; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Feb 25 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 198 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 198 available after Apr 1. | Jul 19 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 8 | 191 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 8. | Jun 24 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 11 | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 240 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 18. | Aug 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Jan 28 | Mar 11–Mar 11 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 5 |
| Arugula | — | Jan 28–Apr 22 | 303 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 28 and again by Oct 4; both mature before Nov 27. | Oct 4 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Jan 28 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 275 available after Feb 25. | Aug 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 191 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 8. | Jun 24 |
| Eggplant | Feb 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 184 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 8. | Jul 17 |
| Okra | Feb 25 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 205 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Basil | Feb 18 | Apr 15–Apr 15 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Feb 25–Mar 18 | 261 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 10 |
| Parsley | Jan 14 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 226 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 226 available after Apr 1. | Aug 21 |
| Celery | Jan 14 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 226 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 226 available after Apr 1. | Jul 2 |
| Scallions | Jan 14 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 24; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 11–Feb 25 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Sep 19; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 19 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 25 | Mar 18–Mar 25 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 15 |
| Collards | Jan 14 | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 275 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 27. | Sep 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 184 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 8. | Jul 2 |
| Chives | Dec 31 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 240 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 240 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Dill | — | Jan 28–Apr 22 | 289 | two-plantings: Plant Jan 28 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 5 |
| Oregano | Jan 14 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 240 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 240 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Rosemary | Dec 31 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 226 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 226 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Sage | Jan 28 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 240 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 240 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 14 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 240 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 240 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 11 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 247 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 13. | Sep 10 |
| Cosmos | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
| Lavender | Dec 31 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 247 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 25. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 11 | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 20 |
| Melons | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 184 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 8. | Jul 2 |
| Mint | — | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 247 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 247 available after Mar 25. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 205 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 1. | Aug 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 191 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 8. | Jul 4 |
| Sunflowers | — | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 212 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 212 available after Mar 25. | Jul 31 |
| Tomatillos | Jan 28 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 191 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 1. | Jul 12 |
| Watermelon | Mar 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 191 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 1. | Jul 7 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 15 |
| Zinnias | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 23. | Aug 10 |
Month by month in Meridian
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Celery (Jan 14), Collards (Jan 14), Kale (Jan 14), Oregano (Jan 14), Parsley (Jan 14), Scallions (Jan 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Jan 28), Beets (Jan 28), Dill (Jan 28), Peas (Jan 28), Radish (Jan 28), Spinach (Jan 28). |
| February | Start indoors: Eggplant (Feb 4), Calendula (Feb 11), Cauliflower (Feb 11), Marigolds (Feb 11), Pepper (Feb 11), Basil (Feb 18), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Feb 11), Cilantro (Feb 25), Turnip (Feb 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Feb 25), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 25), Cabbage (Feb 25), Collards (Feb 25), Kale (Feb 25), Lettuce (Feb 25), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Cucumber (Mar 4), Butternut Squash (Mar 11), Cantaloupe (Mar 11), Melons (Mar 11), Pumpkin (Mar 11), Spaghetti Squash (Mar 11), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Mar 4), Potatoes (Mar 11), Sunflowers (Mar 25). Transplant from: Calendula (Mar 11), Swiss Chard (Mar 11), Bok Choy (Mar 18), Cauliflower (Mar 18), Cosmos (Mar 25), Lavender (Mar 25), +4 more. Last frost around March 25. |
| April | Direct sow from: Beans (Apr 1), Pole Beans (Apr 1). Transplant from: Celery (Apr 1), Chives (Apr 1), Corn (Apr 1), Okra (Apr 1), Oregano (Apr 1), Parsley (Apr 1), +17 more. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 24), Pumpkin (Jun 24). |
| July | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jul 2), Celery (Jul 2), Melons (Jul 2), Spaghetti Squash (Jul 4), Tomato (Jul 7), Watermelon (Jul 7), +5 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Aug 5), Pole Beans (Aug 5), Basil (Aug 10), Cosmos (Aug 10), Cucumber (Aug 10), Zinnias (Aug 10), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Sep 4), Carrots (Sep 4), Beets (Sep 5), Dill (Sep 5), Swiss Chard (Sep 5), Calendula (Sep 10), +8 more. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Oct 4), Spinach (Oct 4), Radish (Oct 5). |
| November | Direct sow from: Garlic (Nov 6). First frost around November 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 27). |
| December | Start indoors: Chives (Dec 31), Lavender (Dec 31), Onion (Dec 31), Rosemary (Dec 31). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Meridian, MS (ZIP 39301)?
The median last spring frost date for Meridian, MS (ZIP code 39301) is around March 25. 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 4; one in ten it runs past April 16.
What is the first fall frost date in Meridian, MS?
The median first fall frost date for Meridian, MS is around November 6. 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 Meridian, MS?
The frost-free growing season in Meridian is about 226 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 Meridian (226 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 Meridian, MS?
Meridian, MS is in USDA hardiness zone 8b (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 Meridian, MS?
Start tomatoes indoors Feb 18 and plant out Apr 8 in Meridian. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Meridian?
Two: plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 13.
When do I plant garlic in Meridian?
Nov 6 to Nov 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Meridian?
Yes: plant out Apr 8 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jul 7 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Meridian, MS 39305 (15.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Waynesboro, MS 39367 (41 mi)
- Frost dates for Laurel, MS 39443 (47.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Philadelphia, MS 39350 (47.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Forest, MS 39074 (52 mi)
- When to plant in MS
- When to plant Peppers in MS
- When to plant Cucumbers in MS
- When to plant Zucchini in MS
- When to plant Butternut Squash in MS
- When to plant Basil in MS
- When to plant Sweet Corn in MS
- Look up another ZIP