South Suffolk, VA planting zone & frost dates
South Suffolk is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 27 and the first fall frost around November 15, for a growing season of about 233 days.
Planting calendar for South Suffolk
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 27) 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 30 – Feb 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 16 – Jan 30 Transplant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 13 – Feb 27 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
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).
Useful for zone 8a 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 10 | Mar 27 | Apr 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 1 | Nov 15 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 15.
Nearby cities
- Suffolk zone 8a, last frost Mar 27
- Portsmouth Heights zone 8a, last frost Mar 23
- Newport News zone 8b, last frost Mar 16
- Portsmouth zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Chesapeake zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Norfolk zone 8b, last frost Mar 23
- Hampton zone 8b, last frost Mar 24
- East Hampton zone 8b, last frost Mar 24
Questions
What growing zone is South Suffolk, VA?
South Suffolk is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in South Suffolk?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in South Suffolk is March 27. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in South Suffolk?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 3 – Apr 10. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Suffolk Lake Kilby, VA (USC00448192), 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 7 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.