Frost Dates for Elma, WA 98541
Last spring frost April 30 · First fall frost October 21 · 174 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
Frost probability for 98541
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 21 | April 30 | April 9 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 3 | October 21 | November 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (31.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Elma
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 30). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 30. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 21). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 21. 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 174-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Elma, WA (ZIP 98541)?
The median last spring frost date for Elma, WA (ZIP code 98541) is around April 30. 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 Elma, WA?
The median first fall frost date for Elma, WA is around October 21. 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 Elma, WA?
The frost-free growing season in Elma is about 174 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 Elma, WA?
Based on frost date patterns, Elma 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 Elma, WA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 30). For Elma, that's roughly March 5 to March 19. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Shelton, WA 98584 (16.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Aberdeen, WA 98520 (19.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Rochester, WA 98579 (23.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Hoquiam, WA 98550 (23.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Olympia, WA 98501 (25.9 mi)
- When to plant in WA
- When to plant Peppers in WA
- When to plant Cucumbers in WA
- When to plant Zucchini in WA
- When to plant Butternut Squash in WA
- When to plant Basil in WA
- When to plant Sweet Corn in WA
- Look up another ZIP