Ghent, WV frost dates
How Ghent compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Ghent falls between April 22 and May 23, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 28 and October 22.
- The median last frost is 13 days later than the West Virginia median of Apr 23.
- Its 157-day growing season is longer than 5% of the 745 West Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is 14 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 140 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Roanoke, VA, 108 km away, the last frost here is 33 days later than there and the growing season is 55 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 22 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 28 |
| 50% (median) | October 10 |
| 90% (late) | October 22 |
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 Ghent, WV
Ghent, WV frost dates — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 10, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Ghent, WV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 15 – Sep 12 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 29 – Sep 19 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 15 – Sep 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 26 – Oct 31 |
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 Beckley Va Hospital, WV weather station, 18 km away (elevation 2,329 ft (710 m)).
Frost dates near Ghent
- Cool Ridge Apr 22 · Oct 21
- Odd Apr 24 · Oct 20
- Flat Top Apr 30 · Oct 10
- White Oak Apr 22 · Oct 21
- Jumping Branch Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Josephine Apr 24 · Oct 20
- Coal City May 6 · Oct 10
- Daniels Apr 22 · Oct 21
- Nimitz Apr 10 · Oct 30
- Princewick May 6 · Oct 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ghent, WV?
The median last spring frost in Ghent, WV is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ghent, WV?
The median first fall frost is October 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 28.
How long is the growing season in Ghent, WV?
About 157 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ghent, WV?
Ghent, WV is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.