Salem, WV frost dates
How Salem compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Salem falls between April 10 and May 11, a 31-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 9 and November 3.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the West Virginia median of Apr 23.
- Its 184-day growing season is longer than 57% of the 745 West Virginia places with a regular frost season (state median 182 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 122 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 9 |
| 50% (median) | October 23 |
| 90% (late) | November 3 |
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 Salem, WV
Salem, WV frost dates — last frost Apr 22, first frost Oct 23, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Salem, WV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cabbage | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Okra | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Basil | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 20 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 8 – May 6 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 29 – May 13 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 6 – May 27 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 9 – Nov 13 |
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 Clarksburg, WV weather station, 18 km away (elevation 991 ft (302 m)).
Frost dates near Salem
- Reynoldsville Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Smithburg Apr 28 · Oct 21
- Wallace May 3 · Oct 10
- Center Point Apr 28 · Oct 21
- West Milford Apr 22 · Oct 23
- New Milton Apr 28 · Oct 21
- Clarksburg Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Lumberport Apr 22 · Oct 23
- Lost Creek Apr 22 · Oct 23
- West Union Apr 28 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Salem, WV?
The median last spring frost in Salem, WV is April 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Salem, WV?
The median first fall frost is October 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Salem, WV?
About 184 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Salem, WV?
Salem, WV is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.