Independence, VA frost dates
Last spring frostApr 16median date
First fall frostOct 27median date
Growing season194 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone7aZone 7a
How Independence compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Independence falls between April 3 and May 2, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 15 and November 8.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 194-day growing season is longer than 41% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 7a, where the median is Apr 16.
- The weather station records an average of 89 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Winston-Salem, NC, 103 km away, the last frost here is 21 days later than there and the growing season is 34 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 3 |
| 50% (median) | April 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 15 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 90% (late) | November 8 |
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 Independence, VA
Independence, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 16, first frost Oct 27, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Jan 22 to Feb 5Transplant outside: Mar 19 to Apr 2
Start indoors: Feb 5 to Feb 19Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14
Start indoors: Feb 5 to Feb 19Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Mar 26 to Apr 9Sow outdoors: Mar 19 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Sep 1 to Sep 29
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Mar 19 to Apr 2Sow outdoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 8
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 2 to Apr 16Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Mar 26 to Apr 9Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 2 to Apr 16Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 7 to May 21Sow outdoors: May 7 to May 21
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7
Sow outdoors: Mar 5 to Mar 26Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Mar 5 to Mar 26Plant for fall: Sep 1 to Sep 22
Sow outdoors: Mar 12 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Sep 15 to Oct 6
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Mar 26Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Aug 25
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Mar 26Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 1
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Mar 26Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 7
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Mar 26Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 18
Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 1
Sow outdoors: Mar 26 to Apr 16
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Aug 18 to Sep 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Sep 1 to Sep 22
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14Plant for fall: Aug 11 to Aug 25
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 7
Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 21
Plant for fall: Oct 13 to Nov 17
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Independence, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 19 – Apr 23 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Okra | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Basil | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Elk Creek 4ssw, VA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 3,438 ft (1,048 m)).
Frost dates near Independence
- Elk Creek Apr 16 · Oct 27
- Fries Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Speedwell Apr 16 · Oct 27
- Cripple Creek Apr 25 · Oct 18
- Mouth Of Wilson Apr 16 · Oct 27
- Galax Apr 22 · Oct 21
- Ivanhoe Apr 25 · Oct 18
- Sugar Grove Apr 16 · Oct 27
- Crockett Apr 25 · Oct 18
- Woodlawn Apr 26 · Oct 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Independence, VA?
The median last spring frost in Independence, VA is April 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Independence, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 15.
How long is the growing season in Independence, VA?
About 194 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Independence, VA?
Independence, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.