This is the window between your last spring frost and first fall frost when warm-weather plants thrive.
or below): Causes heavy damage to almost all seasonal plants. Gardening Strategy by Frost Date Frost.aa.zip
): May cause patchy damage to tender plants like tomatoes or basil. Freeze ( 32∘F32 raised to the composed with power F This is the window between your last spring
Not all cold is created equal. Depending on the temperature, your plants may face different levels of risk: Light Frost ( 33∘F33 raised to the composed with power F 36∘F36 raised to the composed with power F Freeze ( 32∘F32 raised to the composed with
or below): Widespread ice formation that can severely damage or kill most unprotected vegetation. Hard Freeze ( 28∘F28 raised to the composed with power F
Frost dates are the average dates of the and the first fall frost . They are calculated based on historical climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are used to define a region's "growing season".
These dates represent a 30% to 50% probability that frost will occur after the spring date or before the fall date. Local microclimates—such as being under a tree canopy or near a body of water—can shift these dates significantly. Frost vs. Freeze: Why the Distinction Matters