Laurel, VA planting zone & frost dates
Laurel is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 10 and the first fall frost around October 31, for a growing season of about 202 days.
Planting calendar for Laurel
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 10) 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: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 5 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 31).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 29 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 13 | Oct 31 | Oct 17 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 29, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 17. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 28.
Nearby cities
- Glen Allen zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Lakeside zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Tuckahoe zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- Richmond zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Short Pump zone 7b, last frost Apr 10
- East Highland Park zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Bon Air zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Mechanicsville zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
Questions
What growing zone is Laurel, VA?
Laurel is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Laurel?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Laurel is April 10. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 29.
When can I plant tomatoes in Laurel?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 17 – Apr 24. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Ashland Hanover Co Muni Ap, VA (USW00093775), 9.8 km (6.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 62 m, based on 23 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.