Spanaway, WA planting zone & frost dates
Spanaway is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 11 and the first fall frost around October 30, for a growing season of about 202 days.
Planting calendar for Spanaway
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 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: Feb 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 4 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 30).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 23 | Apr 11 | Apr 29 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Oct 30 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 29, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Spanaway
- 98387 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Parkland zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Elk Plain zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Frederickson zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Lakewood zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Joint Base Lewis McChord zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Tacoma zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Graham zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
- Puyallup zone 8b, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is Spanaway, WA?
Spanaway 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 Spanaway?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Spanaway is April 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 29.
When can I plant tomatoes in Spanaway?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 18 – Apr 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Mcmillin Rsvr, WA (USC00455224), 14.0 km (8.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 176 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.