Frost dates for Washington, District of Columbia
In a typical year, Washington’s last spring frost lands around Mar 29 and the first fall frost around Nov 8, a growing season of about 224 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 8a.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Mar 15 | Oct 26 |
| 50 percent | Mar 29 | Nov 8 |
| 90 percent | Apr 11 | Nov 23 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Washington is typically around 78°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Washington
- Turnip (Purple Top White Globe)
- Dill (Bouquet)
- Cilantro (Santo)
- Sweet alyssum (Snow Crystals)
- Swiss chard (Bright Lights)
- Borage (Common Borage)
- Endive (Tres Fine)
- Beet (Detroit Dark Red)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Washington’s normals for today.
Nearby cities
- Alexandria, VA (around Mar 24 to Nov 18)
- Rockville, MD (around Apr 1 to Nov 6)
- Gaithersburg, MD (around Apr 1 to Nov 6)
- Baltimore, MD (around Mar 24 to Nov 21)
- Frederick, MD (around Apr 2 to Nov 6)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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