Frost Dates for Yakima, WA 98901
Yakima has 4 ZIP codes. The Yakima, WA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 14 · First fall frost October 6 · 145 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 98901 has about 31,400 people, one of 4 ZIP codes in Yakima.
Moderate season: 145 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 26–May 30 (34 days). Fall frost risk spans September 22–October 21 (29 days).
Frost probability for 98901
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 30 | May 14 | April 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 22 | October 6 | October 21 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at YAKIMA AP (19.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 145-day season in Yakima
In Yakima (145 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 18 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 9 | May 28–Jun 4 | 103 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 103 available after May 28. | Jun 6 |
| Pepper | Apr 2 | May 28–Jun 4 | 103 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 103 available after May 28. | Jun 11 |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 187 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 23. | Aug 4 |
| Cucumber | Apr 23 | May 28–Jun 4 | 117 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 117 available after May 28. | Jul 10 |
| Beans | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 21. | Jul 17 |
| Peas | — | Mar 19–May 28 | 208 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 208 available after Mar 19. | Jul 26 |
| Zucchini | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 117 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 117 available after May 28. | Jul 15 |
| Onion | Feb 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 180 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 16. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 19–May 7 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 180 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 16. | Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 16. | Aug 4 |
| Radish | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 13. | Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 30–May 7 | 166 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 6 | 250 | overwinter: Plant Oct 6 to Oct 27; harvest the following summer. | Oct 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 9–Jun 4 | 201 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 9; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 16 | May 21–May 28 | 117 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 117 available after May 21. | Jun 18 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 30 | May 28–May 28 | 110 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 110 available after May 28. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 2 | May 7–May 21 | 159 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 159 available after May 7. | Jul 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 19 | Apr 30–Apr 30 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 222 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 19 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 194 available after Apr 16. | Jul 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 110 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 110 available after May 28. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 26 | May 28–Jun 4 | 103 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 103 available after May 28. | Jun 16 |
| Okra | Apr 16 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | two-plantings: Plant May 21 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Basil | Apr 9 | Jun 4–Jun 4 | 110 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 110 available after Jun 4. | Jul 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 16–May 7 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Parsley | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 145 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 145 available after May 21. | Jul 21 |
| Celery | Mar 5 | May 21–Jun 4 | 145 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 145 available after May 21. | Jun 1 |
| Scallions | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 2–Apr 16 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 2 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 16 | May 7–May 14 | 159 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Collards | Mar 5 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 194 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 103 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 103 available after May 28. | Jun 1 |
| Chives | Feb 19 | May 21–May 28 | 159 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 159 available after May 21. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 19–Jun 11 | 208 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 19 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Oregano | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 159 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 159 available after May 21. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 19 | May 21–May 28 | 145 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 145 available after May 21. | — |
| Sage | Mar 19 | May 21–May 28 | 159 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 159 available after May 21. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 5 | May 21–May 28 | 159 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 159 available after May 21. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 2 | Apr 30–May 14 | 166 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Cosmos | Apr 16 | May 14–May 28 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jul 10 |
| Lavender | Feb 19 | May 14–May 28 | 166 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 166 available after May 14. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 2 | May 14–May 21 | 131 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 20 |
| Melons | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 103 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 103 available after May 28. | Jun 1 |
| Mint | — | May 14–May 28 | 166 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 166 available after May 14. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 16 | May 14–May 21 | 131 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 21–Jun 4 | 124 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jul 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 110 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 110 available after May 28. | Jun 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 14–May 28 | 131 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jun 30 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 19 | May 21–May 28 | 110 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 110 available after May 21. | Jun 11 |
| Watermelon | Apr 30 | May 21–May 28 | 110 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 110 available after May 21. | Jun 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | 117 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 117 available after May 28. | Jul 15 |
| Zinnias | Apr 16 | May 14–May 28 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jul 10 |
Month by month in Yakima
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 19), Lavender (Feb 19), Onion (Feb 19), Rosemary (Feb 19). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 5), Collards (Mar 5), Kale (Mar 5), Oregano (Mar 5), Parsley (Mar 5), Scallions (Mar 5), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 19), Beets (Mar 19), Dill (Mar 19), Peas (Mar 19), Radish (Mar 19), Spinach (Mar 19). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 2), Cauliflower (Apr 2), Marigolds (Apr 2), Pepper (Apr 2), Basil (Apr 9), Tomato (Apr 9), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 2), Cilantro (Apr 16), Turnip (Apr 16), Carrots (Apr 23), Potatoes (Apr 30). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 16), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 16), Cabbage (Apr 16), Collards (Apr 16), Kale (Apr 16), Lettuce (Apr 16), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 9). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 14), Beans (May 21), Pole Beans (May 21). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 7), Cauliflower (May 7), Cosmos (May 14), Lavender (May 14), Marigolds (May 14), Mint (May 14), +24 more. Last frost around May 14. |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 4). Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Celery (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 3), Tomato (Jun 6), Watermelon (Jun 6), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 5), Pole Beans (Jul 5), Basil (Jul 10), Cosmos (Jul 10), Cucumber (Jul 10), Zinnias (Jul 10), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 4), Carrots (Aug 4), Beets (Aug 5), Dill (Aug 5), Swiss Chard (Aug 5), Calendula (Aug 10), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 3), Spinach (Sep 3), Radish (Sep 4). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 6). First frost around October 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 27). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 Yakima, WA (ZIP 98901)?
The median last spring frost date for Yakima, WA (ZIP code 98901) is around May 14. 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 26; one in ten it runs past May 30.
What is the first fall frost date in Yakima, WA?
The median first fall frost date for Yakima, WA is around October 6. 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 22 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Yakima, WA?
The frost-free growing season in Yakima is about 145 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 Yakima (145 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 18 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Yakima, WA?
Yakima, WA 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 Yakima, WA?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 9 and plant out May 28 in Yakima. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Yakima?
Two: plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13.
When do I plant garlic in Yakima?
Oct 6 to Oct 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Ellensburg (ZIP 98926) has 190 frost-free days, 45 more than Yakima (ZIP 98901). See Ellensburg ZIP 98926 frost dates
Nearby and related
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