Frost Dates for Ridgeway, VA 24148
Last spring frost April 17 · First fall frost October 24 · 190 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 24148 has about 8,360 people.
Long season: 190 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 2–May 2 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans October 9–November 7 (29 days).
Frost probability for 24148
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 2 | April 17 | April 2 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 9 | October 24 | November 7 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PHILPOTT DAM 2 (25.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 190-day season in Ridgeway
In Ridgeway (190 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 13 | May 1–May 8 | 148 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 148 available after May 1. | Jun 24 |
| Pepper | Mar 6 | May 1–May 8 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after May 1. | Jun 29 |
| Lettuce | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 232 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 232 available after Mar 27. | Aug 22 |
| Cucumber | Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Peas | — | Feb 20–May 1 | 253 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 253 available after Feb 20. | Aug 13 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Onion | Jan 23 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 225 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 225 available after Mar 20. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 20–Apr 10 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 225 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 225 available after Mar 20. | Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 239 available after Mar 20. | Aug 22 |
| Radish | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 22 |
| Beets | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 211 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 211 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 24 | 295 | overwinter: Plant Oct 24 to Nov 14; harvest the following summer. | Nov 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 13–May 8 | 246 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 13; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 162 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 162 available after Apr 24. | Jul 6 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 1–May 1 | 155 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 155 available after May 1. | Jun 11 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 6 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 204 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 10. | Aug 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 3 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 267 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 239 available after Mar 20. | Jul 23 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 155 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 155 available after May 1. | Jun 11 |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | 148 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 148 available after May 1. | Jul 4 |
| Okra | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Basil | Mar 13 | May 8–May 8 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 20–Apr 10 | 225 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Parsley | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 190 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 24. | Aug 8 |
| Celery | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 8 | 190 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 24. | Jun 19 |
| Scallions | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 20 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 204 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Collards | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 239 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 148 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 148 available after May 1. | Jun 19 |
| Chives | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 204 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 253 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Oregano | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 204 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 190 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 190 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Sage | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 204 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 204 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 204 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Cosmos | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Lavender | Jan 23 | Apr 17–May 1 | 211 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 211 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Melons | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 148 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 148 available after May 1. | Jun 19 |
| Mint | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 211 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 211 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 169 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 24. | Jul 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 1. | Jun 21 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 176 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 17. | Jul 18 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 155 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 155 available after Apr 24. | Jun 29 |
| Watermelon | Apr 3 | Apr 24–May 1 | 155 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 155 available after Apr 24. | Jun 24 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 162 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Zinnias | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 176 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
Month by month in Ridgeway
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 23), Lavender (Jan 23), Onion (Jan 23), Rosemary (Jan 23). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 6), Collards (Feb 6), Kale (Feb 6), Oregano (Feb 6), Parsley (Feb 6), Scallions (Feb 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 20), Beets (Feb 20), Dill (Feb 20), Peas (Feb 20), Radish (Feb 20), Spinach (Feb 20). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 6), Cauliflower (Mar 6), Marigolds (Mar 6), Pepper (Mar 6), Basil (Mar 13), Tomato (Mar 13), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 6), Cilantro (Mar 20), Turnip (Mar 20), Carrots (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 20), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 20), Cabbage (Mar 20), Collards (Mar 20), Kale (Mar 20), Lettuce (Mar 20), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 13). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 3), Cantaloupe (Apr 3), Melons (Apr 3), Pumpkin (Apr 3), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 3), Watermelon (Apr 3), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 3), Sunflowers (Apr 17), Beans (Apr 24), Pole Beans (Apr 24). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Apr 3), Bok Choy (Apr 10), Cauliflower (Apr 10), Cosmos (Apr 17), Lavender (Apr 17), +15 more. Last frost around April 17. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 1), Cantaloupe (May 1), Cucumber (May 1), Eggplant (May 1), Melons (May 1), Pepper (May 1), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 11), Pumpkin (Jun 11), Cantaloupe (Jun 19), Celery (Jun 19), Melons (Jun 19), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 21), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 4), Corn (Jul 6), Sunflowers (Jul 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 23), Pole Beans (Jul 23), Basil (Jul 28), +4 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 2), Okra (Aug 2), Yellow Squash (Aug 2), Zucchini (Aug 2), Cauliflower (Aug 3), Beans (Aug 4), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 1), Scallions (Sep 1), Bok Choy (Sep 2), Lettuce (Sep 2), Kale (Sep 6), Kohlrabi (Sep 6), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 24). First frost around October 24. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 14). |
| 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 Ridgeway, VA (ZIP 24148)?
The median last spring frost date for Ridgeway, VA (ZIP code 24148) is around April 17. 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 2; one in ten it runs past May 2.
What is the first fall frost date in Ridgeway, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Ridgeway, VA is around October 24. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Ridgeway, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Ridgeway is about 190 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 Ridgeway (190 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 Ridgeway, VA?
Ridgeway, 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 Ridgeway, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 13 and plant out May 1 in Ridgeway. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Ridgeway?
Two: plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31.
When do I plant garlic in Ridgeway?
Oct 24 to Nov 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Ridgeway?
Yes: plant out May 1 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 24 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Eden (ZIP 27288) has 201 frost-free days, 11 more than Ridgeway (ZIP 24148). See Eden ZIP 27288 frost dates
Nearby and related
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