Frost Dates for Pickens, SC 29671
Last spring frost April 12 · First fall frost October 28 · 199 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 29671 has about 18,700 people.
Long season: 199 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 26–April 28 (33 days). Fall frost risk spans October 14–November 12 (29 days).
Frost probability for 29671
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 28 | April 12 | March 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 14 | October 28 | November 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CAESARS HEAD (20.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 199-day season in Pickens
In Pickens (199 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 8 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 28 |
| Pepper | Mar 1 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jul 3 |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 22 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 6 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 241 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 241 available after Mar 22. | Aug 26 |
| Cucumber | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 21. | Aug 8 |
| Peas | — | Feb 15–Apr 26 | 262 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 262 available after Feb 15. | Aug 17 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Onion | Jan 18 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 15–Apr 5 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 10 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 234 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 15. | Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 15. | Aug 26 |
| Radish | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 26 |
| Beets | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 28 | 304 | overwinter: Plant Oct 28 to Nov 18; harvest the following summer. | Nov 18 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 8–May 3 | 255 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 171 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 19. | Jul 10 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | Apr 26–Apr 26 | 164 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 26. | Jun 15 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 213 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 5. | Aug 7 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Mar 29 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 25; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 25 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 15. | Jul 27 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 164 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 26. | Jun 15 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jul 8 |
| Okra | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Basil | Mar 8 | May 3–May 3 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 15–Apr 5 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Parsley | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | Aug 12 |
| Celery | Feb 1 | Apr 19–May 3 | 199 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | Jun 23 |
| Scallions | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 5 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 15 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 1–Mar 15 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 10 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 15 | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 6 |
| Collards | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 5; both mature before Nov 18. | Sep 5 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 23 |
| Chives | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 4. | Aug 27 |
| Oregano | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Sage | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 4. | Sep 1 |
| Cosmos | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
| Lavender | Jan 18 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 1 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 11 |
| Melons | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 157 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 26. | Jun 23 |
| Mint | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 178 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 19. | Jul 27 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 164 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 26. | Jun 25 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 185 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 12. | Jul 22 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jul 3 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 164 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 19. | Jun 28 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 6 |
| Zinnias | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 14. | Aug 1 |
Month by month in Pickens
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 18), Lavender (Jan 18), Onion (Jan 18), Rosemary (Jan 18). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 1), Collards (Feb 1), Kale (Feb 1), Oregano (Feb 1), Parsley (Feb 1), Scallions (Feb 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 15), Beets (Feb 15), Dill (Feb 15), Peas (Feb 15), Radish (Feb 15), Spinach (Feb 15). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 1), Cauliflower (Mar 1), Marigolds (Mar 1), Pepper (Mar 1), Basil (Mar 8), Tomato (Mar 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 1), Cilantro (Mar 15), Turnip (Mar 15), Carrots (Mar 22), Potatoes (Mar 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 15), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 15), Cabbage (Mar 15), Collards (Mar 15), Kale (Mar 15), Lettuce (Mar 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 8). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 12), Beans (Apr 19), Pole Beans (Apr 19). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 5), Cauliflower (Apr 5), Cosmos (Apr 12), Lavender (Apr 12), Marigolds (Apr 12), Mint (Apr 12), +24 more. Last frost around April 12. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 3). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 15), Pumpkin (Jun 15), Cantaloupe (Jun 23), Celery (Jun 23), Melons (Jun 23), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 25), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 3), Tomatillos (Jul 3), Eggplant (Jul 8), Corn (Jul 10), Sunflowers (Jul 22), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 27), +1 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Basil (Aug 1), Cosmos (Aug 1), Cucumber (Aug 1), Zinnias (Aug 1), Broccoli (Aug 2), Nasturtiums (Aug 6), +13 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Sep 1), Cilantro (Sep 1), Collards (Sep 5), Scallions (Sep 5), Bok Choy (Sep 6), Lettuce (Sep 6), +6 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 28). First frost around October 28. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 18). |
| 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 Pickens, SC (ZIP 29671)?
The median last spring frost date for Pickens, SC (ZIP code 29671) is around April 12. 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 26; one in ten it runs past April 28.
What is the first fall frost date in Pickens, SC?
The median first fall frost date for Pickens, SC is around October 28. 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 14 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Pickens, SC?
The frost-free growing season in Pickens is about 199 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 Pickens (199 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 Pickens, SC?
Pickens, SC 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 Pickens, SC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 8 and plant out Apr 26 in Pickens. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Pickens?
Two: plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 4.
When do I plant garlic in Pickens?
Oct 28 to Nov 18; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Pickens?
Yes: plant out Apr 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 28 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Liberty (ZIP 29657) has 213 frost-free days, 14 more than Pickens (ZIP 29671). See Liberty ZIP 29657 frost dates
Nearby and related
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