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Chesapeake, VA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Chesapeake usually comes around Mar 21 and the first fall frost around Nov 19, a growing season of about 243 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and plant them outside Apr 4 – Apr 18.

Last spring frostMar 21
First fall frostNov 19
Growing season243 days

When to plant vegetables in Chesapeake

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 4 – Apr 18—
PeppersJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
EggplantJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Cucumbers—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 11 – Apr 25—
Green beans—Apr 4 – Apr 18Aug 27 – Sep 10
Sweet corn—Apr 4 – Apr 18—
BasilFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 4 – Apr 18—
LettuceJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 21 – Apr 4Sep 24 – Oct 8
Spinach—Feb 7 – Feb 28Sep 24 – Oct 8
Peas—Feb 7 – Feb 28Sep 10 – Sep 24
Carrots—Feb 21 – Mar 28Aug 27 – Sep 10
Radishes—Feb 14 – Apr 4Oct 8 – Oct 22
BroccoliJan 10 – Jan 24Feb 21 – Mar 7Aug 27 – Sep 10
KaleJan 24 – Feb 7Feb 14 – Feb 28Sep 10 – Sep 24
Onions—Feb 21 – Mar 7—
Potatoes—Feb 28 – Mar 28—
Garlic——Nov 5 – Dec 10

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

Month-by-month planting in Chesapeake

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  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
  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 Chesapeake?

The median last spring frost is Mar 21 and the median first fall frost is Nov 19, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Chesapeake?

Start seeds indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21 and set plants outside Apr 4 – Apr 18, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Chesapeake?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 19): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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