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Tennessee · Local Gardening
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Tennessee — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Tennessee spans USDA zones 5b (mountains) to 7b (Memphis / West TN). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
5b (mountains) to 7b (Memphis / West TN)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Middle TN limestone soils often don't need lime — test before adding. West TN silt loam is productive but compacts. East TN mountain soils are acidic and need lime and compost. UT Extension county offices offer soil testing.
Know your soil
West Tennessee has productive silt loam — some of the best agricultural soil in the South. Middle Tennessee's Central Basin has thin, rocky limestone-based soils that drain fast. East Tennessee's mountain soils are acidic and thin. Soil quality varies dramatically by county.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
Tennessee Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
TN Checklists