West Dover, VT frost dates
Last spring frostMay 14median date
First fall frostOct 4median date
Growing season143 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5aZone 5a
How West Dover compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in West Dover falls between April 30 and May 26, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 20 and October 17.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the Vermont median of May 13.
- Its 143-day growing season is longer than 49% of the 286 Vermont places with a regular frost season (state median 143 days).
- The last frost is 11 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 162 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Albany, NY, 80 km away, the last frost here is 17 days later than there and the growing season is 28 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 4 |
| 90% (late) | October 17 |
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 West Dover, VT
West Dover, VT frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Oct 4, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Sep 6
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 16
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: Jun 4 to Jun 18Sow outdoors: Jun 4 to Jun 18
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Aug 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 23 to Sep 13
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Jul 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Aug 30
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 11Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 18
Plant for fall: Sep 20 to Oct 25
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in West Dover, VT
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 20 – Oct 25 |
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 Rowe 3ne, MA weather station, 24 km away (elevation 1,736 ft (529 m)).
Frost dates near West Dover
- East Dover May 14 · Oct 4
- Wilmington May 14 · Oct 4
- Wardsboro May 13 · Sep 29
- West Wardsboro May 13 · Sep 29
- South Newfane May 14 · Oct 4
- Marlboro May 8 · Oct 3
- Newfane May 8 · Oct 3
- Williamsville May 8 · Oct 3
- Jamaica May 16 · Oct 2
- Whitingham May 14 · Oct 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in West Dover, VT?
The median last spring frost in West Dover, VT is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in West Dover, VT?
The median first fall frost is October 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 20.
How long is the growing season in West Dover, VT?
About 143 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is West Dover, VT?
West Dover, VT is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.