Vancouver, WA planting zone & frost dates
Vancouver is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 29 and the first fall frost around November 9, for a growing season of about 223 days.
Planting calendar for Vancouver
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 29) 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 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 18 – Feb 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 14 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 9).
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 | Mar 6 | Mar 29 | Apr 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 30 | Nov 9 | Oct 22 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 18, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 22. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Vancouver
- 98660 zone 8b
- 98661 zone 8b
- 98662 zone 8b
- 98663 zone 8b
- 98664 zone 8b
- 98665 zone 8b
- 98666 zone 8b
- 98668 zone 8b
- 98682 zone 8b
- 98683 zone 8b
- 98684 zone 8b
- 98685 zone 8b
- 98686 zone 8b
- 98687 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- Hazel Dell zone 8b, last frost Apr 26
- Salmon Creek zone 8b, last frost Apr 26
- Five Corners zone 8b, last frost Apr 26
- Orchards zone 8b, last frost Apr 26
- Battle Ground zone 8b, last frost Apr 26
- Camas zone 9a, last frost Mar 26
- Washougal zone 9a, last frost Mar 26
- Kelso zone 8b, last frost Apr 8
Questions
What growing zone is Vancouver, WA?
Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Vancouver is March 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Vancouver?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 5 – Apr 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Vancouver Pearson Ap, WA (USW00094298), 2.0 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 9 m, based on 22 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.