East Hill-Meridian, WA planting zone & frost dates
East Hill-Meridian is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. The last spring frost usually comes around March 20 and the first fall frost around November 10, for a growing season of about 233 days.
Planting calendar for East Hill-Meridian
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 20) 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 23 – Feb 6 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 9 – Jan 23 Transplant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 10).
Useful for zone 8b 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 | Feb 27 | Mar 20 | Apr 8 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 26 | Nov 10 | Oct 26 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 8, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 26. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around February 25.
Nearby cities
- Fairwood zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Kent zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Covington zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- Renton zone 9a, last frost Mar 13
- Lea Hill zone 8b, last frost Mar 20
- East Renton Highlands zone 8b, last frost Mar 13
- Lake Morton-Berrydale zone 8b, last frost Apr 20
- Bryn Mawr-Skyway zone 9a, last frost Mar 13
Questions
What growing zone is East Hill-Meridian, WA?
East Hill-Meridian 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 East Hill-Meridian?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in East Hill-Meridian is March 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 8.
When can I plant tomatoes in East Hill-Meridian?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Mar 27 – Apr 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Kent, WA (USC00454169), 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 9 m, based on 28 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.