LawnWeather

Arlington, VA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Arlington usually comes around Mar 29 and the first fall frost around Nov 13, a growing season of about 229 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 15 – Mar 1 and plant them outside Apr 12 – Apr 26.

Last spring frostMar 29
First fall frostNov 13
Growing season229 days

When to plant vegetables in Arlington

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 15 – Mar 1Apr 12 – Apr 26—
PeppersFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 19 – May 3—
EggplantFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 19 – May 3—
Cucumbers—Apr 12 – Apr 26—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 12 – Apr 26—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 19 – May 3—
Green beans—Apr 12 – Apr 26Aug 21 – Sep 4
Sweet corn—Apr 12 – Apr 26—
BasilMar 1 – Mar 15Apr 12 – Apr 26—
LettuceFeb 1 – Feb 15Mar 1 – Apr 12Sep 18 – Oct 2
Spinach—Feb 15 – Mar 8Sep 18 – Oct 2
Peas—Feb 15 – Mar 8Sep 4 – Sep 18
Carrots—Mar 1 – Apr 5Aug 21 – Sep 4
Radishes—Feb 22 – Apr 12Oct 2 – Oct 16
BroccoliJan 18 – Feb 1Mar 1 – Mar 15Aug 21 – Sep 4
KaleFeb 1 – Feb 15Feb 22 – Mar 8Sep 4 – Sep 18
Onions—Mar 1 – Mar 15—
Potatoes—Mar 8 – Apr 5—
Garlic——Oct 30 – Dec 4

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Arlington. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Arlington

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Arlington?

The median last spring frost is Mar 29 and the median first fall frost is Nov 13, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Arlington?

Start seeds indoors Feb 15 – Mar 1 and set plants outside Apr 12 – Apr 26, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Arlington?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 13): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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