Lakeland South, WA planting zone & frost dates
Lakeland South is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 8 and the first fall frost around November 14, for a growing season of about 250 days.
Planting calendar for Lakeland South
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 8) 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 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 19 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 14).
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 15 | Mar 8 | Mar 31 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 2 | Nov 14 | Oct 30 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 31, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 30. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 11.
Nearby cities
- Federal Way zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Lakeland North zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Auburn zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Puyallup zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Lea Hill zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Kent zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Des Moines zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
- South Hill zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Lakeland South, WA?
Lakeland South is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Lakeland South?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lakeland South is March 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 31.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lakeland South?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 15 – Mar 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Tacoma #1, WA (USC00458278), 10.3 km (6.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 8 m, based on 26 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.