Laurel Fork, VA frost dates
How Laurel Fork compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Laurel Fork falls between April 7 and May 7, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 11 and November 6.
- The median last frost is 8 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 187-day growing season is longer than 28% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 5 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 95 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Winston-Salem, NC, 75 km away, the last frost here is 26 days later than there and the growing season is 41 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 7 |
| 50% (median) | April 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 11 |
| 50% (median) | October 25 |
| 90% (late) | November 6 |
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 Laurel Fork, VA
Laurel Fork, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 21, first frost Oct 25, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Laurel Fork, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Mar 24 – Apr 28 | Aug 30 – Sep 27 |
| Kale | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cabbage | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Okra | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | May 12 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Basil | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 28 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 24 – Mar 31 | May 5 – May 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 31 – Apr 21 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 7 – May 5 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 5 – May 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 11 – Nov 15 |
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 Meadows Of Dan 5 Sw, VA weather station, 7 km away (elevation 2,224 ft (678 m)).
Frost dates near Laurel Fork
- Meadows Of Dan Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Ararat Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Vesta Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Dugspur Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Claudville Apr 21 · Oct 25
- Fancy Gap Apr 19 · Oct 23
- Cana Apr 19 · Oct 23
- Hillsville Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Willis Apr 30 · Oct 10
- Indian Valley Apr 25 · Oct 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Laurel Fork, VA?
The median last spring frost in Laurel Fork, VA is April 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Laurel Fork, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 11.
How long is the growing season in Laurel Fork, VA?
About 187 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Laurel Fork, VA?
Laurel Fork, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.