When to bring in sensitive plants this fall
October 14, 2026
As temperatures begin to dip across Laurens County, many gardeners are wondering when to move tender and sensitive plants indoors. Bryan Smith of the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service in Laurens County says the answer can be found in historical frost data compiled by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR’s State Climatology Office tracks the likelihood of frost by date for every county in the state. For Laurens County, the fall figures show:
50% chance of frost by Oct. 29
30% chance of frost by Oct. 22
10% chance of frost by Oct. 13
Earliest recorded frost: Oct. 4
With the 10% threshold arriving this week, Smith said the numbers should help residents get ready as the season turns cooler. He encourages gardeners to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect tender plants if frost arrives earlier than expected.
The DNR frost and freeze data is available through the State Climatology Office section of the agency’s website.
For more information, contact the Laurens County Cooperative Extension Service at 61 Ag Center Drive in Laurens, call 864-984-2514, or visit clemson.edu/laurens.
