Ballard, WV frost dates
How Ballard compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ballard falls between March 28 and May 3, a 36-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 17 and November 10.
- The median last frost is 13 days earlier than the West Virginia median of Apr 23.
- Its 203-day growing season is longer than 88% of the 745 West Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 6 days earlier 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 104 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Roanoke, VA, 75 km away, the last frost here is 7 days later than there and the growing season is 9 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 28 |
| 50% (median) | April 10 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 17 |
| 50% (median) | October 30 |
| 90% (late) | November 10 |
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 Ballard, WV
Ballard, WV frost dates — last frost Apr 10, first frost Oct 30, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ballard, WV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 13 – Apr 17 | Sep 4 – Oct 2 |
| Kale | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Okra | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Basil | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 27 – Mar 20 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 17 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 13 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 16 – Nov 20 |
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 Bluestone Lake, WV weather station, 19 km away (elevation 1,391 ft (424 m)).
Frost dates near Ballard
- Forest Hill Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Greenville Apr 30 · Oct 12
- Peterstown Apr 27 · Oct 17
- Wayside Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Lindside Apr 30 · Oct 12
- Pipestem Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Talcott Apr 26 · Oct 17
- Pence Springs Apr 26 · Oct 17
- Lerona Apr 30 · Oct 10
- Green Sulphur Springs Apr 10 · Oct 30
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ballard, WV?
The median last spring frost in Ballard, WV is April 10. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ballard, WV?
The median first fall frost is October 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 17.
How long is the growing season in Ballard, WV?
About 203 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ballard, WV?
Ballard, WV is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.