State growing guide
Virginia Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a · Last frost Apr 5 · First frost Nov 3 · 211 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Virginia.
Frost Dates by City — Virginia
Average frost dates for major Virginia cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Virginia Beach | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Norfolk | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Charlottesville | 6a | Apr 20 | Oct 20 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
| Roanoke | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Arlington | 7a | Apr 5 | Nov 5 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
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 Virginia Gardeners
- Richmond and Northern VA transplant tomatoes late April
- Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk) can plant 2 weeks earlier — milder climate
- Virginia's climate is excellent — hot humid summers perfect for warm-season crops
Common Challenges in Virginia
- ⚠ Stink bugs are a major pest throughout Virginia
- ⚠ Summer humidity drives tomato disease pressure
Best Crops for Virginia
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Virginia
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia Gardening
What zone is Virginia?
Virginia spans Zones 5a (high Appalachians) to Zone 7b (eastern coast). Richmond is Zone 7a, Northern Virginia is Zone 7a, Hampton Roads is Zone 7b, and the mountains (Roanoke, Charlottesville) are Zone 6a.