Lightfoot, VA frost dates
How Lightfoot compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Lightfoot falls between March 15 and April 14, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 29 and November 26.
- The median last frost is 13 days earlier than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 224-day growing season is longer than 92% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 68 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Newport News, VA, 33 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there and the growing season is 2 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 15 |
| 50% (median) | March 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 29 |
| 50% (median) | November 10 |
| 90% (late) | November 26 |
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 Lightfoot, VA
Lightfoot, VA frost dates — last frost Mar 31, first frost Nov 10, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Lightfoot, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Sep 15 – Oct 13 |
| Kale | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Okra | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 17 – Mar 10 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 24 – Apr 7 | Sep 29 – Oct 20 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 3 – Mar 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 27 – Dec 1 |
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 Williamsburg 2 N, VA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 69 ft (21 m)).
Frost dates near Lightfoot
- Norge Mar 31 · Nov 10
- Williamsburg Mar 31 · Nov 10
- Toano Mar 31 · Nov 10
- Jamestown Mar 31 · Nov 10
- Barhamsville Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Lanexa Apr 6 · Nov 1
- Ark Apr 1 · Nov 10
- Woods Cross Roads Apr 6 · Nov 1
- White Marsh Apr 1 · Nov 10
- Gloucester Apr 1 · Nov 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lightfoot, VA?
The median last spring frost in Lightfoot, VA is March 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lightfoot, VA?
The median first fall frost is November 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 29.
How long is the growing season in Lightfoot, VA?
About 224 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lightfoot, VA?
Lightfoot, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.