Saint Bernard, LA frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Saint Bernard compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Saint Bernard fall between December 15 and February 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 23, or the last frost as late as March 6.
- Compared with New Orleans, LA, 25 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | February 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 23 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 90% (late) | January 10 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Saint Bernard, LA
Saint Bernard, LA frost dates — last frost Feb 4, first frost Dec 15, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Saint Bernard, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 12 – Nov 26 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 7 – Feb 11 | Oct 20 – Nov 17 |
| Kale | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Oct 6 – Oct 27 |
| Broccoli | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cabbage | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Okra | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — |
| Basil | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Sep 22 – Oct 13 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Oct 20 – Nov 10 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 31 – Feb 11 | Nov 3 – Nov 24 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | Oct 20 – Nov 10 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 1 – Jan 5 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the St Bernard, LA weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
Frost dates near Saint Bernard
- Violet Feb 4 · Dec 15
- Meraux Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Belle Chasse Feb 18 · Dec 6
- Chalmette Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Braithwaite Feb 18 · Dec 6
- Arabi Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Gretna Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- New Orleans Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Saint Bernard, LA?
The median last spring frost in Saint Bernard, LA is February 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Saint Bernard, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 23.
How long is the growing season in Saint Bernard, LA?
About 314 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Saint Bernard, LA?
Saint Bernard, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.