Memphis (38103) — USDA Zone 8a

Frost dates and growing season for 38103

These are 50%-probability averages modeled from this ZIP's USDA hardiness zone and regional climate normals — not a single-station reading. In a typical year the last spring frost will have passed by March 25, but in a colder-than-average year it can run 1-2 weeks later. Plant tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) once both soil and night temperatures are consistently warm — a thermometer beats the calendar.

Growing season in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee sits in USDA Zone 8a, with roughly 224 frost-free days between an average last spring frost around March 25 and a first fall frost around November 4. That is a long season — succession-sow through summer and run a full fall crop; heat-sensitive greens still need spring/autumn timing. Memphis lies near 35.1°N; higher-latitude gardens get longer midsummer days but a tighter shoulder season at this zone. As a large metro, the built-up core here typically runs up to half a zone warmer than outlying suburbs through the urban heat-island effect — sheltered city gardens often push tender crops a little earlier than the ZIP average suggests.

What grows in Memphis

Memphis falls in USDA Zone 8a, which means the same hardiness constraints apply as the full Zone 8 guide. Vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees rated to Zone 8a (or hardier) will overwinter here in a typical year.

• Tomatoes (spring + fall plantings)
• Peppers (sweet + hot)
• Okra
• Sweet potatoes
• Southern peas
• Melons, watermelon
• Figs
• Pomegranates
• Citrus (in protected spots — Meyer lemon)
• Pecans

What to plant in Memphis this week

Memphis is in the winter hold — outdoor planting is on pause. Use this time to plan, order seeds, and prep beds. Tomato and pepper seeds can start indoors 6-10 weeks before your last frost (March 25).

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 8
• When to plant peppers in zone 8
• When to plant basil in zone 8
• When to plant lettuce in zone 8
• When to plant peas in zone 8

Full planting calendar for Memphis

Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates calibrated to zone 8 averages:

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 8
• When to plant peppers in zone 8
• When to plant basil in zone 8
• When to plant garlic in zone 8
• When to plant lettuce in zone 8
• When to plant bush beans in zone 8
• When to plant cucumbers in zone 8
• When to plant summer squash in zone 8
• When to plant peas in zone 8
• When to plant carrots in zone 8

Local microclimate notes

Zone tables give you the average — but Memphisgardens vary. South-facing walls and paved areas can run a full half-zone warmer than the published rating. Low-lying spots, frost pockets, and shaded north sides can run colder. If you've gardened here a few seasons, your own frost record (the last time you actually got frost damage) is more accurate than any national average.

Source and methodology

Hardiness zone from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023 revision). Frost-date and growing-season figures are modeled from this ZIP's USDA hardiness zone and regional NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals — they are zone-level estimates, not a per-station record, so treat them as planning guidance and confirm against your own local frost history. Crop recommendations are drawn from US Cooperative Extension references and curated by the Growli editorial team. Last reviewed May 2026.

Nearby ZIP codes in Tennessee

• 37201 — Nashville (Zone 7b)
• 37902 — Knoxville (Zone 7a)
• 37402 — Chattanooga (Zone 7b)
• 37211 — Nashville (South) (Zone 7b)
• 37013 — Antioch (Nashville metro) (Zone 7b)
• 37075 — Hendersonville (Zone 7a)
• 37086 — La Vergne (Zone 7a)
• 37130 — Murfreesboro (Zone 7a)
• 38109 — Memphis (Whitehaven) (Zone 8a)
• 38134 — Memphis (Bartlett) (Zone 7b)
• 37918 — Knoxville (Fountain City) (Zone 7a)
• 37421 — Chattanooga (East) (Zone 7b)
• Browse all US ZIP codes by state

Related guides

• USDA Zone 8 — full plant + frost guide
• Look up another ZIP code
• Watering frequency calculator
• How to start a vegetable garden — beginner guide