Table of Contents
What is my average frost date?
1. The USDA Hardiness Zone Method
| Zone | Last Frost Date | First Frost Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 22 – June 4 | August 25-31 |
| 2 | May 15-22 | September 1-8 |
| 3 | May 1-16 | September 8-15 |
| 4 | April 24 – May 12 | September 21 – October 7 |
What is the term that refers to the average number of days between the last frost of spring and the first frost of fall?
frost-free season
About the Indicator For this indicator, the length of the growing season is defined as the period of time between the last frost of spring and the first frost of fall, when the air temperature drops below the freezing point of 32°F. This is referred to as the frost-free season.
When should I plant my last frost?
When to Plant Seeds
| Type of plant | Number of weeks before last spring frost date to start seeds indoor | Earliest date to transplant hardened off seedlings outside relative to last spring frost date |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | 7-8 | 3-4 weeks before |
| Melon | 1-2 | 2 weeks after |
| Onion | 10-12 | 4 weeks before |
| Parsley | 10-12 | 2-3 weeks before |
Will spring frost kill plants?
After a hard winter, the last thing you want is to lose plants to a late spring frost. This tender growth freezes at higher temperatures than does dormant tissue, making it more susceptible to frost damage. Full morning sunlight causes most damage.
What can I plant before the last frost?
Cool Weather Crops to Plant BEFORE Your Last Frost Date!
- Peas. Peas are one of my very favorite cool weather crops.
- Spinach. Spinach is one of the most cold hardy vegetables and can even be overwintered in many locations with good luck.
- Radishes.
- Cabbage.
- Broccoli.
- Kale.
- Arugula.
- Carrots.
Can I plant perennials before last frost?
Perennials can sometimes be purchased at garden centers already in bloom, or ready to bloom. Those that are frost tolerant can be planted 2-3 weeks before before the last spring frost to give you some immediate color and interest in your gardens or containers.
What is a spring frost?
A “frost” date really means when temperatures fall to 32°F or lower, which is cold enough to damage leaves or kill tender plants. The “growing season” is essentially the time between when the last freeze happens in spring and the first time temps get to freezing later in the year, known as the first fall frost date.
Is a longer frost-free season good?
Lengthening Frost-free Season During 1991-2011, the average frost-free season was about 10 days longer than during 1901-1960. The longer growing season can increase the growth of beneficial plants (such as crops and forests) as well as undesirable ones (such as ragweed).
What can I plant 6 weeks before my last frost?
What can I plant 8 weeks before my last frost?
Cool Season Crops to Direct Seed Before Last Frost:
- 6-8 weeks: arugula, mache, spinach.
- 4-6 weeks: peas, radishes, claytonia,
- 3-5 weeks: lettuce, green onions/scallions, radishes, swiss chard, turnips,
- 3-4 weeks: broccoli, broccoli raab, cabbage, brussel sprouts, collards, kale, mizuna, mustards, bok/pak choi,
Will one night of frost kill my plants?
Light freeze – 29° to 32° Fahrenheit will kill tender plants. Moderate freeze – 25° to 28° Fahrenheit is widely destructive to most vegetation. Severe or hard freeze – 25° Fahrenheit and colder causes heavy damage to most plants.
Should I cover my plants at 39 degrees?
Most gardeners keep fabrics and covers on hand to protect plants from cold. When the weather begins to dip, it can affect the plants and shrubs. Plants at 39 degrees can begin to feel the chill and require a cover just to be safe.