Frost Dates for Bessemer, AL 35023

Last spring frost April 2 · First fall frost November 7 · 219 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 35023

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 19April 2March 17
Fall (first frost)October 23November 7November 22

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (33.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Bessemer, AL

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
35023April 2November 78a
35020March 30November 98a
35022March 30November 98b

Month by month in Bessemer

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 2). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 2. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 7). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 7. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 219-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Bessemer, AL (ZIP 35023)?

The median last spring frost date for Bessemer, AL (ZIP code 35023) is around April 2. 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 Bessemer, AL?

The median first fall frost date for Bessemer, AL is around November 7. 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 Bessemer, AL?

The frost-free growing season in Bessemer is about 219 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 Bessemer, AL?

Based on frost date patterns, Bessemer 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 Bessemer, AL?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 2). For Bessemer, that's roughly February 6 to February 20. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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