Frost Dates for Benton, LA 71006
Last spring frost March 22 · First fall frost November 12 · 235 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
Frost probability for 71006
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 9 | March 22 | March 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 27 | November 12 | November 29 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (34.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Benton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 22). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| February | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| March | Last frost around March 22. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| April | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| June | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| July | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | First fall frost approaching (around November 12). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| November | First frost around November 12. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| December | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
What grows in a 235-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Benton, LA (ZIP 71006)?
The median last spring frost date for Benton, LA (ZIP code 71006) is around March 22. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Benton, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Benton, LA is around November 12. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Benton, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Benton is about 235 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Benton, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Benton falls approximately in 8b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Benton, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 22). For Benton, that's roughly January 26 to February 9. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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