Jennings, LA planting zone & frost dates
Jennings is in USDA hardiness zone 9a. The last spring frost usually comes around February 19 and the first fall frost around December 4, for a growing season of about 292 days.
Planting calendar for Jennings
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (February 19) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Dec 25 – Jan 8 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 12 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 11 – Dec 25 Transplant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 8 – Jan 22 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 5 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Oct 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Dec 4).
Useful for zone 9a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Shade cloth — for hot summers
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Jan 21 | Feb 19 | Mar 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Jan 4 | Dec 4 | Nov 12 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 12. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 31.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Jennings
- 70546 zone 9a
Nearby cities
- Crowley zone 9a, last frost Feb 20
- Eunice zone 9a, last frost Feb 26
- Moss Bluff zone 9a, last frost Mar 2
- Lake Charles zone 9a, last frost Feb 14
- Abbeville zone 9a, last frost Feb 17
- Lafayette zone 9a, last frost Feb 13
- Opelousas zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Youngsville zone 9a, last frost Feb 19
Questions
What growing zone is Jennings, LA?
Jennings is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a (average extreme winter low 20°F to 25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Jennings?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Jennings is February 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Jennings?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Feb 26 – Mar 5. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Jennings, LA (USC00164700), 2.6 km (1.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 8 m, based on 30 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.