GrowZone

Seed-start answer

Start tomatoes seeds indoors around Feb 27

In ZIP 27601, start tomatoes seeds indoors around Feb 27, about 42 days before the Apr 10 last-frost estimate.

Source: raleigh-durham frost station, USDA zone 8a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

This uses ZIP 27601, the Raleigh frost station, and the Apr 10 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Tomatoes dates for Raleigh, NC

StepDateHow to use it
Start IndoorsFebruary 27, 2026Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant OutdoorsApril 17, 2026Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.