Montclair, VA planting zone & frost dates
Montclair is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 28 and the first fall frost around November 8, for a growing season of about 226 days.
Planting calendar for Montclair
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 28) 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: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 17 – Jan 31 Transplant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 13 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 8).
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 | Mar 14 | Mar 28 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 25 | Nov 8 | Oct 28 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 28. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 17.
Nearby cities
- Dale City zone 7b, last frost Mar 28
- Cherry Hill zone 7b, last frost Mar 28
- Lake Ridge zone 7b, last frost Apr 12
- Lorton zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Buckhall zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
- Fairfax Station zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Burke zone 7b, last frost Apr 14
- Manassas zone 7a, last frost Apr 12
Questions
What growing zone is Montclair, VA?
Montclair 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 Montclair?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Montclair is March 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Montclair?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 4 – Apr 11. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Quantico Mcas, VA (USW00013773), 12.8 km (7.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 3 m, based on 24 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.