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

Planting zone for 29801 — Aiken, SC

ZIP code 29801 (Aiken, Aiken County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost November 14.

Where ZIP 29801 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 19

First frostNov 14

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 Aiken, 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 Aiken, SC

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 19median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 5only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 14median — 10% chance by Nov 1

Growing season241 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 4 and returns around November 30.

From the NOAA station Aiken 2 E, SC — 2 miles away, elevation 541 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 29801

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 5 – Feb 19

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 5 – Feb 26

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 8 – Jan 22

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 26 – Mar 12

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 26 – Mar 12

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 26 – Mar 12

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 22 – Feb 5

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 8 – Jan 22

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 2 – Apr 16

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 19 – Oct 3

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 31 – Dec 5

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 19) and first fall frost (Nov 14) 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 29801 came on Feb 14 — 7 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 7).

average
Feb 72026
Feb 14

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 Aiken, SC.

Soil in Aiken, SC

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 29801 is Fuquay — sand, well drained.

TextureSanddrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.1slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.4%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Fuquay sand, 2 to 6 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 29801; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Aiken, SC

Summer high93 °Faverage high, July

Winter low32 °Faverage low, January

Hot days81days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights41nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,678base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 23 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 55 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation47.5 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: Aiken 2 E, SC (2 mi away); precipitation: Aiken 1.6 Nnw, SC (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

Montmorenci, SC · 8 mi

298518b

Warrenville, SC · 9 mi

298288b

Gloverville, SC · 9 mi

298038b

Aiken, SC · 9 mi

All 5 ZIP codes in Aiken → · South Carolina planting zones →

Questions about 29801

What planting zone is ZIP code 29801?

ZIP code 29801 (Aiken, 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 Aiken, SC?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 29801 is March 19; after April 5 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Aiken 2 E station.

When is the first frost in Aiken, SC?

The median first fall frost near 29801 is November 14, giving a median frost-free growing season of 241 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 29801?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 22 – Feb 5 and set transplants outside around Mar 26 – Apr 9, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 29801 get?

About 47.5 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Aiken 1.6 Nnw station).

How hot do summers get in Aiken, SC?

The average high peaks at 93 °F in July, with about 81 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 29801 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Fuquay at the center of ZIP 29801: sand, well drained, pH about 6.1 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Aiken, SC in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 29801 came on Feb 14 in 2026, 7 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 7), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Aiken, SC?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 29801 is 14 h 23 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 29801 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 29801 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.