State growing guide
West Virginia Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6a · Last frost Apr 12 · First frost Oct 24 · 195 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in West Virginia.
Frost Dates by City — West Virginia
Average frost dates for major West 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 6a | Apr 10 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 10) |
| Huntington | 6b | Apr 5 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Morgantown | 6a | Apr 20 | Oct 18 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
| Wheeling | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 22 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
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 West Virginia Gardeners
- Charleston gardeners transplant tomatoes in late April
- Appalachian mountain valleys can have significantly shorter seasons than valleys indicate
Common Challenges in West Virginia
- ⚠ Mountain terrain creates extremely varied microclimates
- ⚠ Rocky, often acidic soil common throughout WV
Best Crops for West Virginia
Tomatoes Apples Peppers Beans Potatoes Kale Beets Squash Corn
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in West Virginia
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia Gardening
What zone is West Virginia?
West Virginia ranges from Zone 5a (high mountain areas) to Zone 6b (lower Ohio River valley). Charleston is Zone 6a, Huntington is Zone 6b.