Frost Dates for Amherst, VA 24521
Last spring frost April 16 · First fall frost October 19 · 186 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 24521 has about 10,600 people.
Long season: 186 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 3–April 29 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans October 4–November 3 (30 days).
Frost probability for 24521
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 29 | April 16 | April 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 4 | October 19 | November 3 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at TYE RVR 1 SE (14.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 186-day season in Amherst
In Amherst (186 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 30. | Jun 19 |
| Pepper | Mar 5 | Apr 30–May 7 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 30. | Jun 24 |
| Lettuce | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Mar 26 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 26–Apr 2 | 228 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 228 available after Mar 26. | Aug 17 |
| Cucumber | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Beans | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Peas | — | Feb 19–Apr 30 | 249 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 249 available after Feb 19. | Aug 8 |
| Zucchini | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Onion | Jan 22 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 221 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 19. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 19–Apr 9 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 5 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 221 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 221 available after Mar 19. | Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 19. | Aug 17 |
| Radish | — | Feb 19–May 14 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Oct 26. | Sep 17 |
| Beets | — | Feb 19–May 14 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 2–Apr 9 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 2. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 19 | 291 | overwinter: Plant Oct 19 to Nov 9; harvest the following summer. | Nov 9 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 12–May 7 | 242 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 12; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 19 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 158 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 158 available after Apr 23. | Jul 1 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 2 | Apr 30–Apr 30 | 151 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 30. | Jun 6 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 200 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 9. | Jul 29 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 19 | Apr 2–Apr 2 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 19–May 14 | 263 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 19 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 235 available after Mar 19. | Jul 18 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 151 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 30. | Jun 6 |
| Eggplant | Feb 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 144 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 30. | Jun 29 |
| Okra | Mar 19 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Basil | Mar 12 | May 7–May 7 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 19–Apr 9 | 221 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Parsley | Feb 5 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 186 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 23. | Aug 3 |
| Celery | Feb 5 | Apr 23–May 7 | 186 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 23. | Jun 14 |
| Scallions | Feb 5 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 6 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 5–Mar 19 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 5 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 19 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 200 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Collards | Feb 5 | Mar 19–Apr 2 | 235 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 144 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 30. | Jun 14 |
| Chives | Jan 22 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 19–May 14 | 249 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 19 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Oregano | Feb 5 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 200 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 22 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 186 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 186 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Sage | Feb 19 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 200 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 5 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 200 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 200 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 5 | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Cosmos | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Lavender | Jan 22 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 16. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 2 |
| Melons | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 144 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 144 available after Apr 30. | Jun 14 |
| Mint | — | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 207 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 207 available after Apr 16. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 165 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 23. | Jul 18 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 30. | Jun 16 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 172 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 16. | Jul 13 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 19 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 151 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 23. | Jun 24 |
| Watermelon | Apr 2 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 151 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 151 available after Apr 23. | Jun 19 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 7 | 158 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Zinnias | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 172 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
Month by month in Amherst
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 22), Lavender (Jan 22), Onion (Jan 22), Rosemary (Jan 22). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 5), Collards (Feb 5), Kale (Feb 5), Oregano (Feb 5), Parsley (Feb 5), Scallions (Feb 5), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 19), Beets (Feb 19), Dill (Feb 19), Peas (Feb 19), Radish (Feb 19), Spinach (Feb 19). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 5), Cauliflower (Mar 5), Marigolds (Mar 5), Pepper (Mar 5), Basil (Mar 12), Tomato (Mar 12), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 5), Cilantro (Mar 19), Turnip (Mar 19), Carrots (Mar 26). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 19), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 19), Cabbage (Mar 19), Collards (Mar 19), Kale (Mar 19), Lettuce (Mar 19), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 12). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 2), Cantaloupe (Apr 2), Melons (Apr 2), Pumpkin (Apr 2), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 2), Watermelon (Apr 2), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 2), Sunflowers (Apr 16), Beans (Apr 23), Pole Beans (Apr 23). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 2), Swiss Chard (Apr 2), Bok Choy (Apr 9), Cauliflower (Apr 9), Cosmos (Apr 16), Lavender (Apr 16), +26 more. Last frost around April 16. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 7). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 6), Pumpkin (Jun 6), Cantaloupe (Jun 14), Celery (Jun 14), Melons (Jun 14), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 16), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 1), Sunflowers (Jul 13), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 18), Pole Beans (Jul 18), Basil (Jul 23), Cosmos (Jul 23), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 2), Parsley (Aug 3), Peas (Aug 8), Cabbage (Aug 17), Carrots (Aug 17), Beets (Aug 18), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 1), Kohlrabi (Sep 1), Turnip (Sep 6), Arugula (Sep 16), Spinach (Sep 16), Radish (Sep 17). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 19). First frost around October 19. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 9). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Amherst, VA (ZIP 24521)?
The median last spring frost date for Amherst, VA (ZIP code 24521) is around April 16. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 3; one in ten it runs past April 29.
What is the first fall frost date in Amherst, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Amherst, VA is around October 19. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 4 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Amherst, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Amherst is about 186 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Amherst (186 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Amherst, VA?
Amherst, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Amherst, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 12 and plant out Apr 30 in Amherst. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Amherst?
Two: plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26.
When do I plant garlic in Amherst?
Oct 19 to Nov 9; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Amherst?
Yes: plant out Apr 30 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 19 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Lynchburg (ZIP 24502) has 193 frost-free days, 7 more than Amherst (ZIP 24521). See Lynchburg ZIP 24502 frost dates
Nearby and related
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