Mississippi growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Mississippi zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Mississippi
Mississippi covers USDA Zones 8a–9a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 8a — Tupelo and north Mississippi. Average last frost 03/28, first frost 11/05 (about 222 frost-free days).
- Zone 8b — Jackson, Hattiesburg and central Mississippi. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
- Zone 9a — Gulfport and the Gulf coast. Average last frost 02/25, first frost 12/01 (about 279 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Jackson and central Mississippi (Zone 8b)
- Tomatoes: set out March 22 – April 12; fall August 2 – August 23
- Peppers: set out March 29 – April 19; fall August 16 – September 6
- Sweet corn: seed March 15 – April 5; fall August 16 – September 6
- Cucumbers: set out March 22 – April 12; fall August 30 – September 20
- Summer squash: seed March 22 – April 12; fall September 6 – September 27
- Green beans (bush): seed March 15 – April 5; fall August 30 – September 20
- Watermelon: set out March 29 – April 19
- Sweet potatoes: set out March 29 – April 19
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Mississippi
- State buy-local program: the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce runs Genuine MS. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Mississippi Farmers Market (Jackson). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Mississippi
- Income tax: Income tax that has been moving to a single flat rate.
- Sales tax on inputs: Seed, fertilizer and feed are exempt and farm machinery is taxed at a reduced rate; ask the Department of Revenue which items qualify.
- Farmland property tax: Farmland is assessed on current use value based on soil productivity; ask the county tax assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Mississippi
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (MS Department of Agriculture and Commerce)
- Soil and Water Conservation Commission cost-share through county districts
- Genuine Mississippi marketing program
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Southern SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- Mississippi State University Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers