State growing guide
Louisiana Planting Guide
USDA Zone 8b/9a · Last frost Feb 22 · First frost Dec 5 · 285 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Louisiana.
Frost Dates by City — Louisiana
Average frost dates for major Louisiana cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9a | Feb 12 | Dec 10 | ~2 wks after (Feb 12) |
| Baton Rouge | 8b | Feb 20 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 20) |
| Shreveport | 8b | Mar 1 | Nov 30 | ~2 wks after (Mar 1) |
| Lafayette | 8b | Feb 20 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Louisiana Gardeners
- Louisiana has two tomato planting windows: February–March and late August–September
- The fall season is often best — great tomatoes, long warm autumn
- Mirliton (chayote squash) is a Louisiana tradition and thrives in the climate
- Sweet potatoes love Louisiana's hot humid summers
Common Challenges in Louisiana
- ⚠ Extreme humidity promotes fungal disease — preventative copper spray is essential
- ⚠ Flooding and poor drainage in low-lying areas — raised beds mandatory
- ⚠ Tropical pests and disease year-round
Best Crops for Louisiana
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Louisiana
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana Gardening
What zone is Louisiana?
Louisiana ranges from Zone 8a (northern Louisiana) to Zone 9b (New Orleans area). Shreveport is Zone 8b, Baton Rouge is Zone 8b, and New Orleans is Zone 9a.
When to plant tomatoes in Louisiana?
Two seasons: transplant February–March for spring crop; start indoors in late July, transplant in August–September for fall crop. Louisiana fall tomatoes are often the best of the year.