Frost Dates for Jackson, MS 39209

Last spring frost March 23 · First fall frost November 6 · 228 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 39209

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 10March 23March 6
Fall (first frost)October 21November 6November 23

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (22.6 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Jackson, MS

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
39209March 23November 68b
39212March 23November 98b
39211March 24November 68b
39206March 24November 68b
39213March 23November 68b
39204March 23November 98b
39202March 23November 68b
39203March 23November 68b
39216March 24November 68b
39217March 23November 98b
39201March 23November 68b
39210March 23November 6Zone 7a
39269March 23November 68b

Month by month in Jackson

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 23). 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 23. 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 6). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 6. 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 228-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Jackson, MS (ZIP 39209)?

The median last spring frost date for Jackson, MS (ZIP code 39209) is around March 23. 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 Jackson, MS?

The median first fall frost date for Jackson, MS is around November 6. 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 Jackson, MS?

The frost-free growing season in Jackson is about 228 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 Jackson, MS?

Based on frost date patterns, Jackson 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 Jackson, MS?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 23). For Jackson, that's roughly January 27 to February 10. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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