Planting Calendar for Richmond, VA (2024)

FAQs

When should I start planting my garden in Virginia? ›

On average, your frost-free growing season starts May 1 and ends Oct 30, totalling 182 days.

Timing for all planting is based on first and last frost dates. For example, if planting in hardiness zone 5, the last frost date is generally between April 1st – April 15th, and the first frost date typically falls between October 16th – October 31st. These dates will in part dictate when the best time to plant is.

Timing is crucial when planting spring flowers in Virginia. The best time to plant is when the soil has warmed up and there is no danger of frost. This typically happens in late March or early April, depending on your location.

So don't try to plant them too close to the frost-free date for your area. Here in Virginia, I try to wait until mid to late May to be on the safe side. They really thrive in hot, sunny weather, so err on the side of caution when planting eggplant.

Be sure to time your seed starting by sowing seeds five to seven weeks before the last average frost date. In Central Virginia, the average last frost date for plant hardiness zone 7a is April 15 to 25. This makes March a good time to start those tomato seeds growing in the local area.

It's never too late. It just matters what you put into that garden. It may be too late to grow tomatoes in your Chicago garden in September because you'll be getting cold weather soon, but you could still grow carrots, radishes, and lettuce plants.

As many gardeners know, there's a common rule of thumb that advises when it's OK to start planting flowers and vegetables: You should hold off on planting until after Mother's Day.

Generally speaking, the ideal planting season is between spring and fall. In spring, the weather is usually mild, and it's the time of year when nurseries start filling up with color. Fall is another popular planting period. The soil is typically still warm, which allows roots to grow until the ground freezes.

Ox-eye (Heliopsis helianthoides) - All summer and into fall. Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) - late summer through fall. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) - Starts in May, keeps going to a lesser extent for several months. Summer Phlox (Phlox paniculata) - Starts in July, keeps going until frost.

For summer cucumbers, planting dates occur between April 1 and May 15; for fall cucumbers, planting begins mid-July to mid-August. When mulching, clear plastic mulch is laid before field plantings.

When to plant zucchini? ›

We recommend planting zucchini and summer squash from late May to early July, depending on the season's temperatures and rainfall. It's a warm season crop, so it needs warm air, warm soil, and no chance of frost.

For summer harvest, May 1 to May 30 is usually the recommended time to transplant. In Virginia, transplant July 25 to August 1 for a fall harvest. Fields should be selected for good drainage. Plant on raised, dome-shaped beds to aid in disease control.

As a general rule, seeds or seedlings should go in the ground at least two weeks after the last frost date.

If you live in Virginia, you will be in one of the four Virginia USDA plant hardiness zones that range from 5b at the northern tip to 8a and 8b on the eastern shore.

For summer harvest, May 1 to May 30 is usually the recommended time to transplant. In Virginia, transplant July 25 to August 1 for a fall harvest. Fields should be selected for good drainage. Plant on raised, dome-shaped beds to aid in disease control.

But as a general rule of thumb, you should start most seeds four to six weeks before your last frost date. To figure out when to plant seeds for spring, first determine your last frost date. Then subtract the days to transplant from that date.