Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 29054 — Gilbert, SC

ZIP code 29054 (Gilbert, Lexington County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost November 18.

Where ZIP 29054 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostMar 20

First frostNov 18

2012 zone8a

Was 8a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Gilbert, SC…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Gilbert, SC

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 20median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 3only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 18median — 10% chance by Nov 2

Growing season244 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 7 and returns around December 4.

From the NOAA station Batesburg, SC — 9 miles away, elevation 659 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 29054

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 20

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 6 – Feb 27

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 9 – Jan 23

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 27 – Mar 13

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 20 – Mar 6

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 27 – Mar 13

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 20 – Mar 6

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 27 – Mar 13

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 23 – Feb 6

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 27 – Apr 10

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 9 – Jan 23

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 3 – Apr 17

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 27 – Apr 10

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 27 – Apr 10

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 27 – Apr 10

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 23 – Oct 7

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 4 – Dec 9

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 20) and first fall frost (Nov 18) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 29054 came on Feb 16 — 7 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 9).

average
Feb 92026
Feb 16

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8b in South Carolina

566 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in South Carolina, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Gilbert, SC.

Soil in Gilbert, SC

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 29054 is Fuquay — loamy sand, well drained.

TextureLoamy sanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH5.5moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Fuquay loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 29054; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Gilbert, SC

Summer high91 °Faverage high, July

Winter low35 °Faverage low, January

Hot days57days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights33nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,407base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 25 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 53 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation48.5 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Batesburg, SC (9 mi away); precipitation: Gilbert 1.0 Se, SC (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

West Columbia, SC · 8 mi

Batesburg, SC · 11 mi

290368b

Chapin, SC · 13 mi

South Carolina planting zones →

Questions about 29054

What planting zone is ZIP code 29054?

ZIP code 29054 (Gilbert, SC) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Gilbert, SC?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 29054 is March 20; after April 3 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Batesburg station.

When is the first frost in Gilbert, SC?

The median first fall frost near 29054 is November 18, giving a median frost-free growing season of 244 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 29054?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 23 – Feb 6 and set transplants outside around Mar 27 – Apr 10, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 29054 get?

About 48.5 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gilbert 1.0 Se station).

How hot do summers get in Gilbert, SC?

The average high peaks at 91 °F in July, with about 57 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 29054 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Fuquay at the center of ZIP 29054: loamy sand, well drained, pH about 5.5 (moderately acidic).

Did spring come early in Gilbert, SC in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 29054 came on Feb 16 in 2026, 7 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 9), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Gilbert, SC?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 29054 is 14 h 25 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 29054 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 29054 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.