Frost Dates for Colbert, WA 99005
Last spring frost May 16 · First fall frost September 17 · 124 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 99005 has about 10,800 people.
Moderate season: 124 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 27–June 3 (37 days). Fall frost risk spans September 3–October 2 (29 days).
Frost probability for 99005
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 3 | May 16 | April 27 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 3 | September 17 | October 2 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CHEWELAH (55.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 124-day season in Colbert
In Colbert (124 frost-free days, a moderate season), 35 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 11 | May 30–Jun 6 | 82 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 82 available after May 30. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 4 | May 30–Jun 6 | 82 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 82 available after May 30. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 21 | Apr 18–Apr 25 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 27 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 25–May 2 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 25. | Jul 16 |
| Cucumber | Apr 25 | May 30–Jun 6 | 96 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 96 available after May 30. | Jun 21 |
| Beans | — | May 23–Jun 6 | 110 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 110 available after May 23. | Jun 28 |
| Peas | — | Mar 21–May 30 | 187 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 187 available after Mar 21. | Jul 7 |
| Zucchini | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 96 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 96 available after May 30. | Jun 26 |
| Onion | Feb 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 159 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 18. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 21–May 9 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 15 |
| Kale | Mar 7 | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 159 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 159 available after Apr 18. | Jun 22 |
| Cabbage | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 173 available after Apr 18. | Jul 16 |
| Radish | — | Mar 21–Jun 13 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Sep 24. | Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | Mar 21–Jun 13 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Potatoes | — | May 2–May 9 | 145 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 145 available after May 2. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 17 | 229 | overwinter: Plant Sep 17 to Oct 8; harvest the following summer. | Oct 8 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 11–Jun 6 | 180 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 11; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 18 | May 23–May 30 | 96 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 96 available after May 23. | May 30 |
| Pumpkin | May 2 | May 30–May 30 | 89 | head-start: Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 4 | May 9–May 23 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 9. | Jun 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 21 | May 2–May 2 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 21–Jun 13 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 15 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 21 | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 173 available after Apr 18. | Jun 16 |
| Butternut Squash | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 89 | head-start: Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 28 | May 30–Jun 6 | 82 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 82 available after May 30. | — |
| Okra | Apr 18 | May 23–May 30 | 103 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 103 available after May 23. | Jun 26 |
| Basil | Apr 11 | Jun 6–Jun 6 | 89 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 89 available after Jun 6. | Jun 21 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 18–May 9 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Parsley | Mar 7 | May 23–May 30 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 23. | Jul 2 |
| Celery | Mar 7 | May 23–Jun 6 | 124 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 124 available after May 23. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 7 | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 8. | Aug 5 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 4–Apr 18 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 4 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 31 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 18 | May 9–May 16 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 9 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 27 |
| Collards | Mar 7 | Apr 18–May 2 | 173 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Oct 8. | Jul 26 |
| Cantaloupe | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 82 | head-start: Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Feb 21 | May 23–May 30 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 23. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 21–Jun 13 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 21 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 17 |
| Oregano | Mar 7 | May 23–May 30 | 138 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 138 available after May 23. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 21 | May 23–May 30 | 124 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 124 available after May 23. | — |
| Sage | Mar 21 | May 23–May 30 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 23. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 7 | May 23–May 30 | 138 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 138 available after May 23. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 4 | May 2–May 16 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 2 and again by Jul 22; both mature before Sep 24. | Jul 22 |
| Cosmos | Apr 18 | May 16–May 30 | 110 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 110 available after May 16. | Jun 21 |
| Lavender | Feb 21 | May 16–May 30 | 145 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 145 available after May 16. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 4 | May 16–May 23 | 110 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 110 available after May 16. | Jul 1 |
| Melons | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 82 | head-start: Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 3 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 16–May 30 | 145 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 145 available after May 16. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 18 | May 16–May 23 | 110 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 110 available after May 16. | Jun 26 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 23–Jun 6 | 103 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 103 available after May 23. | Jun 16 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 89 | head-start: Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 16–May 30 | 110 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 110 available after May 16. | Jun 11 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 21 | May 23–May 30 | 89 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 89 available after May 23. | — |
| Watermelon | May 2 | May 23–May 30 | 89 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 89 available after May 23. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 2 | May 30–Jun 6 | 96 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 96 available after May 30. | Jun 26 |
| Zinnias | Apr 18 | May 16–May 30 | 110 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 110 available after May 16. | Jun 21 |
Month by month in Colbert
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 21), Lavender (Feb 21), Onion (Feb 21), Rosemary (Feb 21). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 7), Collards (Mar 7), Kale (Mar 7), Oregano (Mar 7), Parsley (Mar 7), Scallions (Mar 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 21), Beets (Mar 21), Dill (Mar 21), Peas (Mar 21), Radish (Mar 21), Spinach (Mar 21). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 4), Cauliflower (Apr 4), Marigolds (Apr 4), Pepper (Apr 4), Basil (Apr 11), Tomato (Apr 11), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 4), Cilantro (Apr 18), Turnip (Apr 18), Carrots (Apr 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 18), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 18), Cabbage (Apr 18), Collards (Apr 18), Kale (Apr 18), Lettuce (Apr 18), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 11). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 2), Cantaloupe (May 2), Melons (May 2), Pumpkin (May 2), Spaghetti Squash (May 2), Watermelon (May 2), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 2), Sunflowers (May 16), Beans (May 23), Pole Beans (May 23). Transplant from: Calendula (May 2), Swiss Chard (May 2), Bok Choy (May 9), Cauliflower (May 9), Cosmos (May 16), Lavender (May 16), +26 more. Last frost around May 16. Last sowing dates: Corn (May 30). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 6). Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jun 11), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 16), Pole Beans (Jun 16), Basil (Jun 21), Cosmos (Jun 21), Cucumber (Jun 21), +8 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Jul 1), Parsley (Jul 2), Peas (Jul 7), Cabbage (Jul 16), Carrots (Jul 16), Beets (Jul 17), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Turnip (Aug 5), Arugula (Aug 15), Spinach (Aug 15), Radish (Aug 16). |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 17). First frost around September 17. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 8). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 Colbert, WA (ZIP 99005)?
The median last spring frost date for Colbert, WA (ZIP code 99005) is around May 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 27; one in ten it runs past June 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Colbert, WA?
The median first fall frost date for Colbert, WA is around September 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 September 3 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Colbert, WA?
The frost-free growing season in Colbert is about 124 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 Colbert (124 frost-free days, a moderate season), 35 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 5 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Colbert, WA?
Colbert, WA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Colbert, WA?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 11 and plant out May 30 in Colbert. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Colbert?
Two: plant Apr 18 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Sep 24.
When do I plant garlic in Colbert?
Sep 17 to Oct 8; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Colbert?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 30, the outdoor season is about 11 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Spokane (ZIP 99208) has 143 frost-free days, 19 more than Colbert (ZIP 99005). See Spokane ZIP 99208 frost dates
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