Frost Dates for Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Last spring frost April 12 · First fall frost October 24 · 195 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 28139 has about 20,000 people.
Long season: 195 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 23–April 28 (36 days). Fall frost risk spans October 10–November 12 (33 days).
Frost probability for 28139
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 28 | April 12 | March 23 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 10 | October 24 | November 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at MARION (37.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 195-day season in Rutherfordton
In Rutherfordton (195 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 | 153 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jun 24 |
| Pepper | Mar 1 | Apr 26–May 3 | 153 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jun 29 |
| Lettuce | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 22 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 22–Mar 29 | 237 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 22. | Aug 22 |
| Cucumber | Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Peas | — | Feb 15–Apr 26 | 258 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 258 available after Feb 15. | Aug 13 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Onion | Jan 18 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 230 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 15–Apr 5 | 272 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 230 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 230 available after Mar 15. | Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 244 available after Mar 15. | Aug 22 |
| Radish | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 22 |
| Beets | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 29–Apr 5 | 216 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 216 available after Mar 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 24 | 300 | overwinter: Plant Oct 24 to Nov 14; harvest the following summer. | Nov 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 8–May 3 | 251 | 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 | 167 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 19. | Jul 6 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | Apr 26–Apr 26 | 160 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 26. | Jun 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 | Apr 5–Apr 19 | 209 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 5. | Aug 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 15 | Mar 29–Mar 29 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 272 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 15 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 244 available after Mar 15. | Jul 23 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 160 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 26. | Jun 11 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | 153 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jul 4 |
| Okra | Mar 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 19 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Basil | Mar 8 | May 3–May 3 | 160 | two-plantings: Plant May 3 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 15–Apr 5 | 230 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Parsley | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 195 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 19. | Aug 8 |
| Celery | Feb 1 | Apr 19–May 3 | 195 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 19. | Jun 19 |
| Scallions | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 1–Mar 15 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 1 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 15 | Apr 5–Apr 12 | 209 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 5 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Collards | Feb 1 | Mar 15–Mar 29 | 244 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 153 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jun 19 |
| Chives | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 209 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 15–May 10 | 258 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 15 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Oregano | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 209 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 18 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 195 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 195 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Sage | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 209 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 1 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 209 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 209 available after Apr 19. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 1 | Mar 29–Apr 12 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 29 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Cosmos | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Lavender | Jan 18 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 216 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 1 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Melons | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 153 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 153 available after Apr 26. | Jun 19 |
| Mint | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 216 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 12. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 19 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 19–May 3 | 174 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 19. | Jul 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 160 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 26. | Jun 21 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 181 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 12. | Jul 18 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 15 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 160 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 19. | Jun 29 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | Apr 19–Apr 26 | 160 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 19. | Jun 24 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 29 | Apr 26–May 3 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 26 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Zinnias | Mar 15 | Apr 12–Apr 26 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 12 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
Month by month in Rutherfordton
| 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 11), Pumpkin (Jun 11), Cantaloupe (Jun 19), Celery (Jun 19), Melons (Jun 19), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 21), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 4), Corn (Jul 6), Sunflowers (Jul 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 23), Pole Beans (Jul 23), Basil (Jul 28), +4 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 2), Okra (Aug 2), Yellow Squash (Aug 2), Zucchini (Aug 2), Cauliflower (Aug 3), Beans (Aug 4), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 1), Scallions (Sep 1), Bok Choy (Sep 2), Lettuce (Sep 2), Kale (Sep 6), Kohlrabi (Sep 6), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 24). First frost around October 24. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 14). |
| 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 Rutherfordton, NC (ZIP 28139)?
The median last spring frost date for Rutherfordton, NC (ZIP code 28139) 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 23; one in ten it runs past April 28.
What is the first fall frost date in Rutherfordton, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Rutherfordton, NC is around October 24. 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 Rutherfordton, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Rutherfordton is about 195 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 Rutherfordton (195 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 Rutherfordton, NC?
Rutherfordton, 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 Rutherfordton, NC?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 8 and plant out Apr 26 in Rutherfordton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Rutherfordton?
Two: plant Mar 15 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31.
When do I plant garlic in Rutherfordton?
Oct 24 to Nov 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Rutherfordton?
Yes: plant out Apr 26 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 24 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Chesnee (ZIP 29323) has 205 frost-free days, 10 more than Rutherfordton (ZIP 28139). See Chesnee ZIP 29323 frost dates
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