Frost Dates for Gatesville, TX 76528

Last spring frost March 17 · First fall frost November 16 · 244 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 76528

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 12March 17February 19
Fall (first frost)October 29November 16December 6

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (35.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Gatesville, TX

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
76528March 17November 168b
76597March 17November 168b
76599March 17November 168b
76596March 17November 168b
76598March 17November 168b

Month by month in Gatesville

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 17). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 17. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 16). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 16. 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 244-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Gatesville, TX (ZIP 76528)?

The median last spring frost date for Gatesville, TX (ZIP code 76528) is around March 17. 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 Gatesville, TX?

The median first fall frost date for Gatesville, TX is around November 16. 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 Gatesville, TX?

The frost-free growing season in Gatesville is about 244 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 Gatesville, TX?

Based on frost date patterns, Gatesville falls approximately in 8b. 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 Gatesville, TX?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 17). For Gatesville, that's roughly January 21 to February 4. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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