Lakewood, WA planting zone & frost dates
Lakewood is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 11 and the first fall frost around November 21, for a growing season of about 254 days.
Planting calendar for Lakewood
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 11) 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 14 – Jan 28 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 1 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 31 – Jan 14 Transplant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 28 – Feb 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Mar 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 21).
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 11 | Apr 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 10 | Nov 21 | Nov 3 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 3. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 13.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lakewood
- 98439 zone 8b
- 98496 zone 8b
- 98497 zone 8b
- 98498 zone 8b
- 98499 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- University Place zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Parkland zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Joint Base Lewis McChord zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Spanaway zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Tacoma zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Artondale zone 9a, last frost Mar 11
- Elk Plain zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Frederickson zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Lakewood, WA?
Lakewood 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 Lakewood?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lakewood is March 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lakewood?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 18 – Mar 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Tacoma Narrows Ap, WA (USW00094274), 11.5 km (7.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 89 m, based on 21 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.