Head Waters, VA frost dates
How Head Waters compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Head Waters falls between April 23 and May 26, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 22 and October 19.
- The median last frost is 25 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 150-day growing season is among the shortest of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 16 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 150 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Harrisonburg, VA, 53 km away, the last frost here is 17 days later than there and the growing season is 35 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 23 |
| 50% (median) | May 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 22 |
| 50% (median) | October 5 |
| 90% (late) | October 19 |
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 Head Waters, VA
Head Waters, VA frost dates — last frost May 8, first frost Oct 5, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Head Waters, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 10 – May 15 | Aug 10 – Sep 7 |
| Kale | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Broccoli | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Cabbage | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 29 – Jul 20 |
| Okra | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 12 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Basil | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 21 – Oct 26 |
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 Mustoe 1 Sw, VA weather station, 20 km away (elevation 2,369 ft (722 m)).
Frost dates near Head Waters
- Mc Dowell May 8 · Oct 5
- West Augusta Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Deerfield May 8 · Oct 5
- Mustoe May 8 · Oct 5
- Doe Hill May 8 · Oct 5
- Williamsville May 8 · Oct 5
- Monterey May 8 · Oct 5
- Churchville Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Augusta Springs Apr 15 · Oct 27
- Craigsville Apr 15 · Oct 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Head Waters, VA?
The median last spring frost in Head Waters, VA is May 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Head Waters, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 5, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 22.
How long is the growing season in Head Waters, VA?
About 150 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Head Waters, VA?
Head Waters, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.