Frost Dates for Harker Heights, TX 76548
Last spring frost March 11 · First fall frost November 22 · 256 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
Frost probability for 76548
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 31 | March 11 | February 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 31 | November 22 | December 13 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (11.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Harker Heights
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 11). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| February | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| March | Last frost around March 11. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | First fall frost approaching (around November 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| November | First frost around November 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| December | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
What grows in a 256-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Harker Heights, TX (ZIP 76548)?
The median last spring frost date for Harker Heights, TX (ZIP code 76548) is around March 11. 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 Harker Heights, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Harker Heights, TX is around November 22. 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 Harker Heights, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Harker Heights is about 256 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 Harker Heights, TX?
Based on frost date patterns, Harker Heights 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 Harker Heights, TX?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 11). For Harker Heights, that's roughly January 15 to January 29. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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