USDA Gardening Zone 7: Plants, Frost Dates, Location, & Tips | LoveToKnow (2024)

FAQs

When can you put plants outside in zone 7? ›

April is the month that Zone 7 has its average last frost. After the last frost date, it is generally considered safe to plant tender seedlings outdoors. Last frost dates are estimates, so while you can anticipate the last frost, your best bet is to rely on the weather forecast or local recommendations!

Each USDA hardiness zone has 10 degrees of minimum average temperature difference and is divided into two sections, a and b. Zones 7a and 7b both have a medium-length growing season. Zone 7a's minimum average temperature is 0 to 5 degrees, and Zone 7b's minimum average temperature is 5 to 10 degrees.

Plants in Zone 7 can handle temperatures of 0°F to 10°F. You can find this zone in some parts of Washington and Oregon and down through upper Texas, Oklahoma, and most of the way through Virginia and North Carolina.

Peppers – Plant seeds indoors in mid to late February, transplant in mid to late April. Pumpkins – Plant seeds outdoors in early May. Spinach – Plant seeds indoors in early February; transplant in early March. Tomatoes – Plant seeds indoors in early March; transplant in late April or early May.

Put your plants out only after night temperatures remain above 60°F (usually mid-May or early June). Acclimate plants to increased light by placing them in a shady area outdoors. Slowly introduce indoor plants that like sun into a sunnier location over a period of two weeks.

Frost Advisory - This is when the temperature is expected to fall to 36 degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Freeze Warning - This is issued when there is at least an 80% chance that the temperature will hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Light freeze - 29° to 32° Fahrenheit will kill tender plants.

Plant warm-season annuals such as zinnias, sunflowers, and snapdragons. Plant tuberous perennial flowers such as dahlias. Plant all companion plants: marigolds, nasturium, basil, dill, borage, chives, calendula.

Pansies and ornamental kale are examples of hardy annuals. Half-hardy zone 7 annual flowers, like dianthus or alyssum, can handle a light frost. Tender annuals might be zinnia and impatiens. These types of plants do not tolerate cold or frost and must go in the ground after all danger is passed.

Zone 7: Minimum temperatures: Zone 7a 0 to 5 F, Zone 7b 5 to 10º Examples of North Carolina cities: 7a: Asheville, Swannanoa, Lake Lure; 7b: Marion, Morganton, Charlotte.

An example of vegetable succession planning for Hardiness Zone 7, plant carrot in March to be followed by beets, then next in line, pepper.

When to plant green beans in zone 7? ›

Plant corn in March. Then, in April, plant the warm-season crops: beans, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes. Late-summer and fall offer zone 7 gardeners a second chance to plant.

Zone 7 has a medium length growing season. In general, it lasts from April to November. If you live in zone 7, we recommend starting seeds indoors before the first frost date.

An important temperature to remember: tomatoes can be planted in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy a soil thermometer to get an accurate reading, or you can guess the soil temperature by placing your finger the soil.

Depending on where you live, you might want to expose your tomatoes to morning sunlight, to afternoon sunlight, or to a combination of the two. Morning sunlight provides high-intensity light without excessive heat, therefore you should consider morning exposure if you live in a region with a hot climate.

4. Choose a cloudy day, or the cool of evening. To alleviate seedlings from shock, transplant on a cloudy day, or if it's not in the forecast, plan toward the end of the day, when air and soil temperatures cool and the sun is won't scorch the young plants.

Time It Right. While it might be tempting to ship indoor plants outside at the first sign of spring, it's best to wait until nighttime temperatures stay at or above 60°F, and after any threat of frost has passed. If you're planning ahead, use the average last frost date for your area as your guide.

In mild-winter regions (Zones 7–31), many cool-season annuals can be planted in fall for bloom in winter and early spring; or plant them in late winter or very early spring for spring flowers.

WHEN TO BRING PLANTS INSIDE. As a general rule, tender plants should be brought in when nighttime temperatures are below 50 to 55 degrees F, even if they are hardy for your zone. A plant's roots are more exposed when planted in a container versus in the ground.

In spring, most seedlings are typically planted outdoors after the last frost date. However, cold-hardy plants can be planted outdoors two to four weeks before the last frost date.