Monroe, LA planting zone & frost dates
Monroe is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 8 and the first fall frost around November 15, for a growing season of about 253 days.
Planting calendar for Monroe
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 8) 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: Jan 11 – Jan 25 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Dec 28 – Jan 11 Transplant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 20 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 15).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Feb 16 | Mar 8 | Mar 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 3 | Nov 15 | Nov 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after March 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 23.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Monroe
- 71201 zone 8b
- 71202 zone 8b
- 71203 zone 8b
- 71207 zone 8b
- 71210 zone 8b
- 71211 zone 8b
- 71212 zone 8b
- 71213 zone 8b
- 71217 zone 8b
Nearby cities
- West Monroe zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Claiborne zone 8b, last frost Mar 8
- Bastrop zone 8b, last frost Mar 15
- Ruston zone 8b, last frost Mar 11
- Minden zone 8b, last frost Mar 17
- Natchitoches zone 9a, last frost Feb 28
- Pineville zone 9a, last frost Feb 27
- Alexandria zone 9a, last frost Feb 27
Questions
What growing zone is Monroe, LA?
Monroe is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b (average extreme winter low 15°F to 20°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Monroe?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Monroe is March 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until March 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in Monroe?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 15 – Mar 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Monroe Rgnl Ap, LA (USW00013942), 7.4 km (4.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 24 m, based on 27 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.