Kent, WA planting zone & frost dates
Kent is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 20 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 233 days.
Planting calendar for Kent
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 20) 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 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
Useful for zone 8b 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 | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 26 | Nov 10 | Oct 26 |
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 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 25.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Kent
- 98030 zone 8b
- 98031 zone 8b
- 98032 zone 9a
- 98035 zone 8b
- 98042 zone 8b
- 98064 zone 8b
- 98089 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Lakeland North zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- East Hill-Meridian zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Auburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Lea Hill zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- SeaTac zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
- Des Moines zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
- Tukwila zone 9a, last frost Mar 13
- Federal Way zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
Questions
What growing zone is Kent, WA?
Kent is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 9a.
When is the last frost in Kent?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Kent is March 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in Kent?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 27 – Apr 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Kent, WA (USC00454169), 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 9 m, based on 28 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.