It's Almost Gardening Season: See When the Farmer's Almanac Predicts the Last Frost Date in Your Area

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the rain, blooming flowers—and the inevitable spring freeze. To prepare your plants and crops, the Farmer's Almanac has released an interactive map of the U.S. and Canada that calculates frost dates based on your ZIP or postal code.

The frost date calculator uses historical data to estimate the average last frost of spring and the first frost of fall for locations across the U.S. and Canada. The results are based on the nearest weather station and consider the length of your location's growing season based on frost dates.

Many warmer areas of the country, shown in purple and white on the map, are past their frost date and ready to plant. While other colder climates, shown in dark green on the map, will have to wait until the beginning of June to start planting.

Knowing your frost date range is essential for protecting your plants and crops in the spring, but it shouldn't be your only form of preparation. According to the Farmer's Almanac, frost dates don't reflect smaller "microclimates" in your yard, such as low spots or areas near water or pavement. The best way to stay prepared is by checking the weather daily.

For a thriving garden, begin planting after the final frost, or choose plants and crops that can handle temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also recommended to wait to start planting until the temperature is consistently at or above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even a light frost can kill tender plants and crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Hardier plants like broccoli, kale, spinach, and cabbage can withstand temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.