Newbern, VA frost dates
How Newbern compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Newbern falls between April 9 and May 15, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 12 days later than the Virginia median of Apr 13.
- Its 175-day growing season is longer than 11% of the 837 Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 198 days).
- The last frost is 9 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 Roanoke, VA, 70 km away, the last frost here is 22 days later than there and the growing season is 37 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 9 |
| 50% (median) | April 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 17 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 Newbern, VA
Newbern, VA frost dates — last frost Apr 25, first frost Oct 17, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Newbern, VA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Mar 28 – May 2 | Aug 22 – Sep 19 |
| Kale | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Broccoli | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Cabbage | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Okra | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Basil | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 2 – May 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 14 – Apr 4 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 21 – May 2 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 4 – May 2 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 11 – May 9 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 11 – May 2 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 9 – May 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 3 – Nov 7 |
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 Pulaski 2 E, VA weather station, 9 km away (elevation 2,080 ft (634 m)).
Frost dates near Newbern
- Dublin Apr 25 · Oct 17
- Pulaski Apr 25 · Oct 17
- New River Apr 26 · Oct 18
- Hiwassee Apr 25 · Oct 17
- Radford Apr 26 · Oct 18
- Belspring Apr 26 · Oct 18
- Draper Apr 25 · Oct 17
- Parrott Apr 26 · Oct 18
- Staffordsville Apr 27 · Oct 17
- Barren Springs Apr 25 · Oct 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Newbern, VA?
The median last spring frost in Newbern, VA is April 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Newbern, VA?
The median first fall frost is October 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Newbern, VA?
About 175 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Newbern, VA?
Newbern, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.