Frost Dates for Benson, NC 27504
Last spring frost April 5 · First fall frost October 30 · 208 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
Frost probability for 27504
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 22 | April 5 | March 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 13 | October 30 | November 17 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (20.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Benson
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 5). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 5. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 30). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 30. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 208-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Benson, NC (ZIP 27504)?
The median last spring frost date for Benson, NC (ZIP code 27504) is around April 5. 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.
What is the first fall frost date in Benson, NC?
The median first fall frost date for Benson, 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.
How long is the growing season in Benson, NC?
The frost-free growing season in Benson is about 208 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.
What USDA hardiness zone is Benson, NC?
Based on frost date patterns, Benson falls approximately in 8a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Benson, NC?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 5). For Benson, that's roughly February 9 to February 23. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Four Oaks, NC 27524 (7.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Dunn, NC 28334 (9.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Angier, NC 27501 (11.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Smithfield, NC 27577 (11.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Willow Spring, NC 27592 (14 mi)
- When to plant in NC
- When to plant Peppers in NC
- When to plant Cucumbers in NC
- When to plant Zucchini in NC
- When to plant Butternut Squash in NC
- When to plant Basil in NC
- When to plant Sweet Corn in NC
- Look up another ZIP