Frost Dates for Colchester, VT 05439
Colchester has 2 ZIP codes. The Colchester, VT frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 8 · First fall frost October 3 · 148 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
Frost probability for 05439
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 20 | May 8 | April 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 23 | October 3 | October 13 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (3.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Colchester
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 8). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| April | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| May | Last frost around May 8. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| June | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| July | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| August | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 3). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 3. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 148-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Colchester, VT (ZIP 05439)?
The median last spring frost date for Colchester, VT (ZIP code 05439) is around May 8. 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 Colchester, VT?
The median first fall frost date for Colchester, VT is around October 3. 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 Colchester, VT?
The frost-free growing season in Colchester is about 148 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 Colchester, VT?
Based on frost date patterns, Colchester falls approximately in 5a. 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 Colchester, VT?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 8). For Colchester, that's roughly March 13 to March 27. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Burlington, VT 05401 (3 mi)
- Frost dates for South Burlington, VT 05403 (3.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Colchester, VT 05446 (4.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Essex Junction, VT 05452 (5.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Williston, VT 05495 (5.8 mi)
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