Harvey, LA planting zone & frost dates
Harvey is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around February 1 and the first fall frost around December 31, for a growing season of about 330 days.
Planting calendar for Harvey
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 1) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 7 – Dec 21 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Feb 15 – Feb 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 23 – Dec 7 Transplant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 21 – Jan 4 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 31).
Useful for zone 9b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 2 | Feb 1 | Mar 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 29 | Dec 31 | Dec 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 6, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Harvey
- 70058 zone 9b
- 70059 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Marrero zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- Gretna zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Terrytown zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Woodmere zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- New Orleans zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Timberlane zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Estelle zone 9b, last frost Feb 10
- Jefferson zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
Questions
What growing zone is Harvey, LA?
Harvey is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Harvey?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Harvey is February 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in Harvey?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 8 – Feb 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Terrytown 3S, LA (USC00168941), 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 3 m, based on 18 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.