Frost dates for 70056 — Gretna, LA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Gretna compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gretna fall between December 31 and February 1. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 6.
- Gretna shares its weather station with New Orleans, LA, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | February 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 31 |
| 90% (late) | January 29 |
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 Gretna, LA
Frost dates for 70056 — Gretna, LA — last frost Feb 1, first frost Dec 31, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Gretna, LA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 9 – Nov 23 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 4 – Feb 8 | Nov 5 – Dec 3 |
| Kale | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Oct 22 – Nov 12 |
| Broccoli | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Cabbage | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 7 – Dec 21 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| Okra | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — |
| Basil | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Oct 8 – Oct 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 21 – Jan 11 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 28 – Feb 8 | Nov 19 – Dec 10 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Feb 22 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 4 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 8 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 11 – Feb 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | Nov 5 – Nov 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 8 – Mar 1 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 17 – Jan 21 |
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 Terrytown 3s, LA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 m)).
ZIP codes in Gretna: 70053 70054 70056
Frost dates near Gretna
- Harvey Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Belle Chasse Feb 18 · Dec 6
- Marrero Jan 24 · Jan 2
- Arabi Feb 10 · Dec 17
- New Orleans Feb 1 · Dec 31
- Chalmette Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Meraux Feb 10 · Dec 17
- Violet Feb 4 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gretna, LA?
The median last spring frost in Gretna, LA is February 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gretna, LA?
The median first fall frost is December 31, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Gretna, LA?
About 333 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gretna, LA?
Gretna, LA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.