Peru, VT frost dates
How Peru compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Peru falls between May 1 and May 31, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 20 and October 16.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the Vermont median of May 13.
- Its 139-day growing season is longer than 29% of the 286 Vermont places with a regular frost season (state median 143 days).
- The last frost is 13 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 175 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Albany, NY, 98 km away, the last frost here is 19 days later than there and the growing season is 32 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 1 |
| 50% (median) | May 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 2 |
| 90% (late) | October 16 |
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 Peru, VT
Peru, VT frost dates — last frost May 16, first frost Oct 2, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Peru, VT
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | Apr 18 – May 23 | Aug 7 – Sep 4 |
| Kale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 2 – May 16 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Okra | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 | — |
| Basil | Apr 4 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 4 – Apr 25 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 11 – May 23 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 6 | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 18 – Apr 25 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 2 – May 30 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 2 – May 23 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 23 – Jun 6 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 30 – Jun 20 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 18 – Oct 23 |
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 Peru, VT weather station, 2 km away (elevation 1,699 ft (518 m)).
Frost dates near Peru
- Londonderry May 16 · Oct 2
- Weston May 16 · Oct 2
- East Dorset May 16 · Oct 2
- South Londonderry May 16 · Oct 2
- Bondville May 16 · Oct 2
- Danby May 16 · Oct 2
- Dorset May 16 · Oct 2
- Manchester Center May 13 · Sep 29
- Manchester May 13 · Sep 29
- Jamaica May 16 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Peru, VT?
The median last spring frost in Peru, VT is May 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Peru, VT?
The median first fall frost is October 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 20.
How long is the growing season in Peru, VT?
About 139 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Peru, VT?
Peru, VT is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.