What is the last day for frost in Alabama?
The last frost dates in the southern tip of Alabama are January 1 to February 28. The last frost dates in middle Alabama are March 1 to 31. The last frost dates in northern Alabama are April 1 to 15. The first frost dates in northern Alabama are October 16 to 31.
A frost date is the estimated date of weather conditions that could cause frost to form on the ground. Frost dates are important for gardeners because knowing when they are minimizes the risk of cold weather damaging or killing your plants.
The first freeze tends to occur toward the end of October across northern Alabama, generally north of Birmingham. In the Montgomery area, our first freeze averages around Nov. 9th. Much of central Alabama sees its first freeze into early November.
| Zone | Last Frost Date | First Frost Date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | May 1-16 | September 8-15 |
| 4 | April 24 – May 12 | September 21 – October 7 |
| 5 | April 7-30 | October 13 – October 21 |
| 6 | April 1-21 | October 17-31 |
| Nearest Climate Station | Altitude | Last Spring Frost |
|---|---|---|
| SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR | 206' | Apr 13 |
| Location | Average Last Frost Date |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | Apr. 11 - Apr. 20 |
| Baltimore Highlands | Apr. 21 - Apr. 30 |
| Baltimore/BWI Arpt | May 1 - May 10 |
| Baltimore/Inner Harbor | Apr. 11 - Apr. 20 |
Pansies and Violas (these are the same species including pansy, violet, viola and Johnny jump-up) are a cool season annual that are also cold tolerant. These are the first annuals that can be planted 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and will withstand several degrees below freezing.
To put it simply, your last frost date is the average date you will experience the last frost of the spring, and your first frost date is the average date you can expect the first frost in the fall.
Some long-season seedlings can also be planted before the last frost. Broccoli, beets, cabbage, cauliflower and kale can all be started from seed indoors before bringing them out several weeks before your projected frost-free date.
A frost date is the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall. The classification of freeze temperatures is based on their effect on plants: Light freeze: 29° to 32°F (-1.7° to 0°C)—tender plants are killed.
What does frost mean in gardening?
Frost | A thin layer of ice crystals that forms on grass or other surfaces from the moisture (water vapor) in the air. This can occur at temperatures at or around freezing (32°F or 0°C) depending on conditions. You'll see the word frost used in older gardening books to mean when temperatures fall below freezing.
The critical feature is the internal temperature within plant tissues. If temperatures within these tissues are cold enough to break cell walls or disrupt cell constituents beyond repair, damage, wilting, and dying will occur in those tissues affected. Some plants are more tolerant of frost than others.
Frost occurs when there is a solid deposition of water vapor from the air. Frost will form when solid surfaces are cooled below the dew point. An air temperature range of 33°- 36°, along with very light winds, is usually needed to initiate frost formation.