Metairie, LA planting zone & frost dates
Metairie is in USDA hardiness zone 9b. The last spring frost usually comes around January 24 and the first fall frost around January 2, for a growing season of about 341 days.
Planting calendar for Metairie
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (January 24) 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: Nov 29 – Dec 13 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 7 – Feb 14 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Nov 15 – Nov 29 Transplant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Dec 27 – Jan 10 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Dec 13 – Dec 27 Transplant outdoors: Jan 31 – Feb 7 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Nov 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Jan 2).
Useful for zone 9b 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 | Dec 28 | Jan 24 | Feb 23 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Feb 1 | Jan 2 | Dec 5 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after February 23, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before December 5. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around January 15.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Metairie
- 70001 zone 9b
- 70002 zone 9b
- 70003 zone 9b
- 70004 zone 9b
- 70005 zone 9b
- 70006 zone 9b
- 70009 zone 9b
- 70010 zone 9b
- 70011 zone 9b
- 70033 zone 9b
- 70055 zone 9b
- 70060 zone 9b
Nearby cities
- Jefferson zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- River Ridge zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- New Orleans zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Waggaman zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- Kenner zone 9b, last frost Jan 30
- Marrero zone 9b, last frost Jan 24
- Harvey zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
- Gretna zone 9b, last frost Feb 1
Questions
What growing zone is Metairie, LA?
Metairie is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9b (average extreme winter low 25°F to 30°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Metairie?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Metairie is January 24. There is still a 10% chance of frost until February 23.
When can I plant tomatoes in Metairie?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jan 31 – Feb 7. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station New Orleans Audubon, LA (USW00012930), 7.8 km (4.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 26 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.