Question 1

When should I plant tomatoes in ZIP 28202?

Accepted Answer

In ZIP 28202, the main tomatoes target is around Apr 12, based on the representative Charlotte frost station and USDA zone 8a.

Question 2

When should I start tomatoes seeds indoors in 28202?

Accepted Answer

Start tomatoes seeds indoors in ZIP 28202 around Feb 22, about 42 days before the Apr 5 last-frost estimate.

Question 3

When is the last frost in Charlotte?

Accepted Answer

Charlotte (ZIP 28202) has an average last spring frost around Apr 5, based on the representative Charlotte frost station.

Question 4

When is the first frost in Charlotte?

Accepted Answer

Charlotte (ZIP 28202) has an average first fall frost around Nov 5, leaving about 214 frost-free days.

Question 5

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

Accepted Answer

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	February 22, 2026	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	April 12, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Start tomatoes seeds indoors around Feb 22

Tomatoes dates for Charlotte, NC