Frost Dates for Smithfield, VA 23430
Last spring frost April 10 · First fall frost October 29 · 202 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a
ZIP 23430 has about 19,100 people.
Long season: 202 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 27–April 25 (29 days). Fall frost risk spans October 14–November 12 (29 days).
Frost probability for 23430
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 25 | April 10 | March 27 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 14 | October 29 | November 12 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WILLIAMSBURG 2 N (35.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 202-day season in Smithfield
In Smithfield (202 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 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 160 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 24. | Jun 29 |
| Pepper | Feb 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 160 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 24. | Jul 4 |
| Lettuce | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 20 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 7 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 244 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 244 available after Mar 20. | Aug 27 |
| Cucumber | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Beans | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 9; both mature before Oct 22. | Aug 9 |
| Peas | — | Feb 13–Apr 24 | 265 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 265 available after Feb 13. | Aug 18 |
| Zucchini | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Onion | Jan 16 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 237 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 13. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 13–Apr 3 | 279 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 26 |
| Kale | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 11 |
| Broccoli | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 237 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 237 available after Mar 13. | Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 251 available after Mar 13. | Aug 27 |
| Radish | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 27; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 27 |
| Beets | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 223 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 223 available after Mar 27. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 29 | 307 | overwinter: Plant Oct 29 to Nov 19; harvest the following summer. | Nov 19 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 6–May 1 | 258 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 6; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 174 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 174 available after Apr 17. | Jul 11 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 27 | Apr 24–Apr 24 | 167 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 24. | Jun 16 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 216 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 3. | Aug 8 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 13 | Mar 27–Mar 27 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 28 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 279 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Sep 26; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 26 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 13 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 251 available after Mar 13. | Jul 28 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 167 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 24. | Jun 16 |
| Eggplant | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 160 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 24. | Jul 9 |
| Okra | Mar 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 181 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Basil | Mar 6 | May 1–May 1 | 167 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 13–Apr 3 | 237 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 2 |
| Parsley | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 202 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 17. | Aug 13 |
| Celery | Jan 30 | Apr 17–May 1 | 202 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 17. | Jun 24 |
| Scallions | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 6 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 16 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 27–Mar 13 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 27 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 11 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 13 | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 216 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 7 |
| Collards | Jan 30 | Mar 13–Mar 27 | 251 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 19. | Sep 6 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 160 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 24. | Jun 24 |
| Chives | Jan 16 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 216 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 13–May 8 | 265 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 13 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 5. | Aug 28 |
| Oregano | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 216 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 16 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 202 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 202 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Sage | Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 216 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 30 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 216 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 216 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 27 | Mar 27–Apr 10 | 223 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 5. | Sep 2 |
| Cosmos | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Lavender | Jan 16 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 223 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 223 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 27 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Melons | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 160 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 160 available after Apr 24. | Jun 24 |
| Mint | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 223 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 223 available after Apr 10. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 181 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 181 available after Apr 17. | Jul 28 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 167 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 24. | Jun 26 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 188 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 188 available after Apr 10. | Jul 23 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 13 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 167 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 17. | Jul 4 |
| Watermelon | Mar 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 167 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 167 available after Apr 17. | Jun 29 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 174 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Zinnias | Mar 13 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 188 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
Month by month in Smithfield
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 16), Lavender (Jan 16), Onion (Jan 16), Rosemary (Jan 16), Celery (Jan 30), Collards (Jan 30), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 13), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 13), Cabbage (Feb 13), Lettuce (Feb 13), Sage (Feb 13), Swiss Chard (Feb 13), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 13), Beets (Feb 13), Dill (Feb 13), Peas (Feb 13), Radish (Feb 13), Spinach (Feb 13), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 6), Tomato (Mar 6), Bok Choy (Mar 13), Corn (Mar 13), Cosmos (Mar 13), Nasturtiums (Mar 13), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 13), Turnip (Mar 13), Carrots (Mar 20), Potatoes (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 13), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 13), Cabbage (Mar 13), Collards (Mar 13), Kale (Mar 13), Lettuce (Mar 13), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 6). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 10), Beans (Apr 17), Pole Beans (Apr 17). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 3), Cauliflower (Apr 3), Cosmos (Apr 10), Lavender (Apr 10), Marigolds (Apr 10), Mint (Apr 10), +24 more. Last frost around April 10. |
| May | Transplant from: Basil (May 1). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 16), Pumpkin (Jun 16), Cantaloupe (Jun 24), Celery (Jun 24), Melons (Jun 24), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 26), +2 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Pepper (Jul 4), Tomatillos (Jul 4), Eggplant (Jul 9), Corn (Jul 11), Sunflowers (Jul 23), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 28), +1 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Basil (Aug 2), Cosmos (Aug 2), Cucumber (Aug 2), Zinnias (Aug 2), Broccoli (Aug 3), Nasturtiums (Aug 7), +13 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Sep 2), Cilantro (Sep 2), Collards (Sep 6), Scallions (Sep 6), Bok Choy (Sep 7), Lettuce (Sep 7), +6 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 29). First frost around October 29. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 19). |
| 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 Smithfield, VA (ZIP 23430)?
The median last spring frost date for Smithfield, VA (ZIP code 23430) is around April 10. 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 March 27; one in ten it runs past April 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Smithfield, VA?
The median first fall frost date for Smithfield, VA is around October 29. 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 14 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Smithfield, VA?
The frost-free growing season in Smithfield is about 202 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 Smithfield (202 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 Smithfield, VA?
Smithfield, VA is in USDA hardiness zone 8a (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 Smithfield, VA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 6 and plant out Apr 24 in Smithfield. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Smithfield?
Two: plant Mar 13 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 5.
When do I plant garlic in Smithfield?
Oct 29 to Nov 19; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Smithfield?
Yes: plant out Apr 24 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 29 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Carrollton (ZIP 23314) has 239 frost-free days, 37 more than Smithfield (ZIP 23430). See Carrollton ZIP 23314 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Carrollton, VA 23314 (7.4 mi)
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- Frost dates for Newport News, VA 23608 (13.2 mi)
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- When to plant in VA
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