Frost Dates for Knoxville, TN 37918

Last spring frost April 16 · First fall frost October 22 · 189 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b

Frost probability for 37918

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 28April 16April 3
Fall (first frost)October 8October 22November 6

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (18.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Knoxville, TN

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
37918April 16October 227b
37920April 16October 227b
37922April 10October 277b
37931April 13October 237b
37919April 13October 237b
37923April 13October 237b
37921April 13October 237b
37932April 10October 277b
37917April 16October 227b
37912April 16October 227b
37914April 16October 227b
37938April 16October 227b
37909April 13October 237b
37916April 13October 237b
37924April 16October 227b
37915April 16October 227b
37902April 16October 227b
37929April 16October 227b

Month by month in Knoxville

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 16). 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 16. 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.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 189-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Knoxville, TN (ZIP 37918)?

The median last spring frost date for Knoxville, TN (ZIP code 37918) is around April 16. 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 Knoxville, TN?

The median first fall frost date for Knoxville, TN is around October 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 Knoxville, TN?

The frost-free growing season in Knoxville is about 189 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 Knoxville, TN?

Based on frost date patterns, Knoxville falls approximately in 7b. 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 Knoxville, TN?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 16). For Knoxville, that's roughly February 20 to March 5. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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