Goshen, VA frost dates
How Goshen compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Goshen falls between April 8 and May 11, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 9 and November 3.
- The median last frost is 10 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 183-day growing season is longer than 21% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 7 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 119 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Lynchburg, VA, 74 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 8 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 9 |
| 50% (median) | October 23 |
| 90% (late) | November 3 |
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 Goshen, VA
Goshen, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 23, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Goshen, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Okra | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Basil | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 9 – Nov 13 |
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 Lexington, VA weather station, 24 km away (elevation 1,096 ft (334 m)).
Frost dates near Goshen
- Rockbridge Baths Apr 23 · Oct 23
- Craigsville Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Brownsburg May 2 · Oct 13
- Middlebrook Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Augusta Springs Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Fairfield May 2 · Oct 13
- Lexington Apr 23 · Oct 23
- Steeles Tavern May 2 · Oct 13
- Deerfield May 8 · Oct 5
- Raphine May 2 · Oct 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Goshen, VA?
The median last spring frost in Goshen, VA is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Goshen, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Goshen, VA?
About 183 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Goshen, VA?
Goshen, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.