When to Plant in Arlington, VA

Arlington, Virginia, boasts a gardening season defined by a median last spring frost date of April 9 and a median first fall frost date of October 26, providing approximately 200 frost-free days for local gardeners. This generous growing season allows for a diverse range of plants to thrive, making it an attractive location for both novice and seasoned horticulturists. With ample days free from frost, gardeners in Arlington can cultivate a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the year, maximizing their yield and variety.

The microclimate in Arlington is characterized as humid temperate, featuring four distinct seasons that positively influence gardening practices. This climate allows for robust growth of crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini, which flourish in the warm summer months. Conversely, crops like lettuce and spinach may struggle during the peak heat of summer, likely bolting or becoming bitter if not harvested early enough. The diverse temperature ranges during the year encourage a wide array of planting strategies, catering to different plant needs.

What to plant now in Arlington

In early spring (March to April), consider planting cool-weather crops such as peas and carrots. These can be sown as soon as the ground is workable, ideally by early April, just before the last frost of April 9.
Late spring (May to mid-June) is the ideal time to establish warm-season crops. Plant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants after the last frost, ensuring that seedlings are ready to be moved outside by mid-April.
During summer (July to early August), focus on mid-season crops like beans and cucumbers, which can be sown to mature before the first fall frost. Aim to plant these around early July.
In early fall (September to mid-October), plant hardy crops like kale and radishes that can withstand cooler temperatures and even the first frosts, ideally starting these in early September.

In Arlington (200 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Arlington

Month	What to do
January	In January, the garden lies dormant under the winter chill, so focus on planning your garden layout and ordering seeds for the upcoming planting season.
February	February brings mild winter temperatures. You can start seeds indoors for spring crops like tomatoes and peppers, getting a head start before the last frost.
March	March offers a transitional phase as temperatures begin to rise. Prepare garden beds early, and start planting cool crops like peas and radishes by the end of the month.
April	As you approach the median last frost date of April 9, keep a close eye on nighttime temperatures. Continue with cool crops and be ready to transplant warm-season seedlings after this date.
May	May is ideal for planting warm-season crops. After the danger of frost has passed, sow beans, corn, and set out tomatoes for abundant summer growth.
June	In June, ensure your summer crops have enough water and nutrients as they start to flourish. Mulching can help retain moisture during the warmer days.
July	July is the height of summer gardening. Monitor crops closely for pests, and plant succession crops like cucumbers and squash to ensure a continuous harvest.
August	As summer wanes, begin planning for fall crops. Sow quick-growing vegetables like lettuce and radishes, which can be harvested before the temperatures drop.
September	September marks a shift as temperatures cool. Plant hardy varieties like kale and carrots, which can endure the cooler nights leading up to the first frost.
October	October brings the first fall frost, anticipated around October 26. Harvest remaining summer crops and prepare garden beds for winter, planting cover crops to enrich the soil.
November	In November, most gardening tasks slow down. Focus on cleaning up dead vegetation, mulching, and planning for next year's garden based on what worked well.
December	December is a quiet time for gardeners in Arlington, perfect for indoor gardening projects or cozying up with gardening books to plan for the next growing season.

Frost dates for Arlington ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
22204	April 9	October 26	7b
22203	April 9	October 26	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Arlington?

The last frost in Arlington typically occurs around April 9, marking a critical date for home gardeners to begin sowing seeds outside.

What vegetables grow best in Arlington?

Vegetables that thrive in Arlington's climate include tomatoes, peppers, and squash, which benefit from the warm summers and have long growing seasons.

When should I plant tomatoes in Arlington?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last frost, around mid-April, once the soil and nighttime temperatures have warmed sufficiently.

Can I garden year-round in Arlington?

Yes, you can garden year-round in Arlington by selecting appropriate crops for each season, using techniques like season extension with row covers in cooler months.

How does Plan My Garden help Arlington gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice for local gardeners, offering personalized planting calendars, frost date alerts, and expert advice on crops that thrive in Arlington's unique climate.