Last spring frost
Apr 4
Frost Dates for Atwood, TN
First fall frost
Oct 28
Growing season
206 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Atwood, TN, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 4 and the first fall frost is about Oct 28, giving roughly a 206-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 17 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 1 | Apr 15 | Mar 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 4 | Mar 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 25 | Mar 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 11 | Feb 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 32°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 4 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 26 | Feb 19 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 19 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 6 | Nov 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 17 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 28°F | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 26 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 22 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
| 16°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 8 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Milan Exp Stn, Tn, about 5.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 415 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Atwood, TN?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Atwood, TN is about Apr 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Atwood, TN typically arrives about Oct 28. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 4 on average, or Mar 17 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 206 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 38220 Planting calendar → Tennessee frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026