Frost dates for 29481Smoaks, SC
The average last spring frost in Smoaks is March 19 and the average first fall frost is November 12, giving a typical growing season of about 239 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Mar 19
- Average first fall frost
- Nov 12
- Growing season
- 239 days
Safer after Apr 9 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Oct 29 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 9 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 12 · Apr 2 · Apr 21 | Oct 19 · Nov 1 · Nov 16 | 213 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 24 · Mar 19 · Apr 9 | Oct 29 · Nov 12 · Dec 1 | 239 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 7 · Mar 1 · Mar 25 | Nov 6 · Nov 28 · Dec 29 | 271 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Smoaks
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Apr 24 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | Apr 4 – Jul 23 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Feb 16 – Mar 19 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Mar 5 – Apr 3 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Apr 18 – May 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Apr 18 – Aug 2 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | Apr 4 – May 19 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Apr 18 – May 19 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | Apr 4 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | Apr 4 – Jul 23 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Apr 18 – May 19 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Apr 11 – May 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 16 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Feb 16 – Apr 18 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 5 – Feb 1 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 5 – Apr 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 29 – Mar 4 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Mar 5 – Apr 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 13 – Jul 23 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 12 – Aug 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Jan 19 – Feb 16 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Feb 16 – Mar 19 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 2 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Sep 2 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 16 – May 4 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Sep 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 9 – Mar 25 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Feb 16 – Apr 8 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Aug 2 – Oct 3 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 5 – Mar 25 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 26 – Sep 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | Mar 19 – May 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 3 – Aug 18 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Nov 2 – Dec 3 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 29481 is matched to the NOAA station Walterboro 1 Sw, SC, 26.7 km away, at 56 ft elevation (59 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walterboro 1 Sw, SC (used) | 56 ft | Mar 19 | Nov 12 |
| Bamberg, SC | 156 ft | Mar 18 | Nov 12 |
| Hampton 1S, SC | 95 ft | Mar 6 | Nov 26 |
| Orangeburg Muni Ap, SC | 197 ft | Mar 15 | Nov 19 |
Frost dates near Smoaks
- Williams, SC 29493 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Ruffin, SC 29475 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Lodge, SC 29082 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Reevesville, SC 29471 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Canadys, SC 29433 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Islandton, SC 29929 · last Mar 19, first Nov 12
- Branchville, SC 29432 · last Mar 18, first Nov 12
- Ehrhardt, SC 29081 · last Mar 18, first Nov 12
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Smoaks, SC?
- For ZIP code 29481, the average last spring frost (32°F) is March 19, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Walterboro 1 Sw, SC weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after April 9.
- When is the first frost in Smoaks, SC?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is November 12. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by October 29, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 29481?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 239 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.