Frost Dates for Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Last spring frost April 29 · First fall frost October 17 · 171 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 24219 has about 10,500 people.
Moderate season: 171 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 12–May 16 (34 days). Fall frost risk spans October 1–November 2 (32 days).
Frost probability for 24219
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 16 | April 29 | April 12 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 1 | October 17 | November 2 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WISE 1SE (21.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 171-day season in Big Stone Gap
In Big Stone Gap (171 frost-free days, a moderate 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 25 | May 13–May 20 | 129 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 129 available after May 13. | Jun 17 |
| Pepper | Mar 18 | May 13–May 20 | 129 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 129 available after May 13. | Jun 22 |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 213 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 8. | Aug 15 |
| Cucumber | Apr 8 | May 13–May 20 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Peas | — | Mar 4–May 13 | 234 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 4. | Aug 6 |
| Zucchini | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Onion | Feb 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 206 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 4–Apr 22 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Kale | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 206 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 1. | Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 1. | Aug 15 |
| Radish | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 15; both mature before Oct 24. | Sep 15 |
| Beets | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 17 | 276 | overwinter: Plant Oct 17 to Nov 7; harvest the following summer. | Nov 7 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 25–May 20 | 227 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 25; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after May 6. | Jun 29 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 15 | May 13–May 13 | 136 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 136 available after May 13. | Jun 4 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 | Apr 22–May 6 | 185 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 22. | Jul 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 15 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 14; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 14 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 1. | Jul 16 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 136 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 136 available after May 13. | Jun 4 |
| Eggplant | Mar 11 | May 13–May 20 | 129 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 129 available after May 13. | Jun 27 |
| Okra | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Basil | Mar 25 | May 20–May 20 | 136 | two-plantings: Plant May 20 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 1–Apr 22 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Parsley | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after May 6. | Aug 1 |
| Celery | Feb 18 | May 6–May 20 | 171 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 171 available after May 6. | Jun 12 |
| Scallions | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Nov 7. | Sep 4 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 30 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 1 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 26 |
| Collards | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 7. | Aug 25 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 129 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 129 available after May 13. | Jun 12 |
| Chives | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after May 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Oregano | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 185 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 185 available after May 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 171 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 171 available after May 6. | — |
| Sage | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 185 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 185 available after May 6. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 185 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 185 available after May 6. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 192 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Cosmos | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
| Lavender | Feb 4 | Apr 29–May 13 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 18 | Apr 29–May 6 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 31 |
| Melons | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 129 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 129 available after May 13. | Jun 12 |
| Mint | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 192 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 192 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 150 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 150 available after May 6. | Jul 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 136 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 136 available after May 13. | Jun 14 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 157 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 29. | Jul 11 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 136 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 136 available after May 6. | Jun 22 |
| Watermelon | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 136 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 136 available after May 6. | Jun 17 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 143 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 26 |
| Zinnias | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Oct 3. | Jul 21 |
Month by month in Big Stone Gap
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 4), Lavender (Feb 4), Onion (Feb 4), Rosemary (Feb 4), Celery (Feb 18), Collards (Feb 18), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 4), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 4), Cabbage (Mar 4), Lettuce (Mar 4), Sage (Mar 4), Swiss Chard (Mar 4), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 4), Beets (Mar 4), Dill (Mar 4), Peas (Mar 4), Radish (Mar 4), Spinach (Mar 4), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 25). |
| April | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Apr 1), Corn (Apr 1), Cosmos (Apr 1), Nasturtiums (Apr 1), Okra (Apr 1), Zinnias (Apr 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 1), Turnip (Apr 1), Carrots (Apr 8), Potatoes (Apr 15), Sunflowers (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 1), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 1), Cabbage (Apr 1), Collards (Apr 1), Kale (Apr 1), Lettuce (Apr 1), +12 more. Last frost around April 29. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 6), Pole Beans (May 6). Transplant from: Celery (May 6), Chives (May 6), Corn (May 6), Okra (May 6), Oregano (May 6), Parsley (May 6), +17 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 4), Pumpkin (Jun 4), Cantaloupe (Jun 12), Celery (Jun 12), Melons (Jun 12), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 14), +6 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 11), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 16), Pole Beans (Jul 16), Basil (Jul 21), Cosmos (Jul 21), Cucumber (Jul 21), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Parsley (Aug 1), Peas (Aug 6), Cabbage (Aug 15), Carrots (Aug 15), Beets (Aug 16), Dill (Aug 16), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Sep 4), Arugula (Sep 14), Spinach (Sep 14), Radish (Sep 15). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 17). First frost around October 17. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 7). |
| 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 Big Stone Gap, VA (ZIP 24219)?
The median last spring frost date for Big Stone Gap, VA (ZIP code 24219) is around April 29. 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 12; one in ten it runs past May 16.
What is the first fall frost date in Big Stone Gap, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Big Stone Gap, VA is around October 17. 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 1 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Big Stone Gap, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Big Stone Gap is about 171 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 Big Stone Gap (171 frost-free days, a moderate season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Big Stone Gap, VA?
Big Stone Gap, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (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 Big Stone Gap, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 25 and plant out May 13 in Big Stone Gap. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Big Stone Gap?
Two: plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 24.
When do I plant garlic in Big Stone Gap?
Oct 17 to Nov 7; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Church Hill (ZIP 37642) has 186 frost-free days, 15 more than Big Stone Gap (ZIP 24219). See Church Hill ZIP 37642 frost dates
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