Frost Dates for Gonzales, LA 70737
Last spring frost February 20 · First fall frost December 2 · 285 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9a
Frost probability for 70737
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | March 18 | February 20 | January 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 11 | December 2 | December 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (19.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Gonzales
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| February | Last frost around February 20. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| 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 | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 2). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | First frost around December 2. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
What grows in a 285-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Gonzales, LA (ZIP 70737)?
The median last spring frost date for Gonzales, LA (ZIP code 70737) is around February 20. 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 Gonzales, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Gonzales, LA is around December 2. 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 Gonzales, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Gonzales is about 285 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 Gonzales, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Gonzales falls approximately in 9a. 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 Gonzales, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 20). For Gonzales, that's roughly December 26 to January 9. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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