West Virginia Planting Guide & Growing Season
West Virginia is in USDA hardiness zone 5b-7a with a growing season of 170 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 25 and the average first fall frost is Oct 10.
Growing Conditions in West Virginia
How West Virginia Compares
Compare West Virginia's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (WV) | 5b-7a | Apr 25 | Oct 10 | 170 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in West Virginia
When should I start seeds indoors in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the average last frost date is Apr 25. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for West Virginia is 5b-7a, with a growing season of approximately 170 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is West Virginia?
West Virginia falls in USDA hardiness zones 5b-7a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in West Virginia?
The average first frost date in West Virginia is Oct 10. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in West Virginia?
West Virginia has an average growing season of 170 days, from the last frost (Apr 25) to first frost (Oct 10). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
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