Madison Heights, VA planting zone & frost dates
Madison Heights is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 17 and the first fall frost around October 25, for a growing season of about 190 days.
Planting calendar for Madison Heights
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 17) 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 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 30 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 25).
Useful for zone 7b 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | May 4 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 25 | Oct 12 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 4, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 12. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Madison Heights
- 24572 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Lynchburg zone 7b, last frost Apr 17
- West Lynchburg zone 7b, last frost Apr 17
- Timberlake zone 7b, last frost Apr 15
- Waynesboro zone 7a, last frost Apr 21
- Staunton zone 7a, last frost Apr 21
- Hollins zone 7b, last frost Apr 11
- Roanoke zone 7b, last frost Apr 3
- Charlottesville zone 7b, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Madison Heights, VA?
Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Madison Heights is April 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 4.
When can I plant tomatoes in Madison Heights?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 24 – May 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lynchburg #2, VA (USC00445117), 11.2 km (7.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 224 m, based on 14 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.