Frost Dates for Rayville, LA 71269
Last spring frost March 14 · First fall frost November 15 · 246 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b
Frost probability for 71269
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 3 | March 14 | February 21 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 29 | November 15 | December 2 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (33.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Rayville
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 14). 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 14. 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 15). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| November | First frost around November 15. 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 246-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Rayville, LA (ZIP 71269)?
The median last spring frost date for Rayville, LA (ZIP code 71269) is around March 14. 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 Rayville, LA?
The median first fall frost date for Rayville, LA is around November 15. 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 Rayville, LA?
The frost-free growing season in Rayville is about 246 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 Rayville, LA?
Based on frost date patterns, Rayville 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 Rayville, LA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 14). For Rayville, that's roughly January 18 to February 1. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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