District of Columbia Planting Guide & Growing Season
District of Columbia is in USDA hardiness zone 7a-7b with a growing season of 200 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 10 and the average first fall frost is Oct 25. Climate data based on Washington.
Growing Conditions in District of Columbia
How District of Columbia Compares
Compare District of Columbia's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (DC) | 7a-7b | Apr 10 | Oct 25 | 200 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in District of Columbia
When should I start seeds indoors in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the average last frost date is Apr 10. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for District of Columbia is 7a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 200 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is District of Columbia?
District of Columbia falls in USDA hardiness zones 7a-7b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in District of Columbia?
The average first frost date in District of Columbia is Oct 25. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has an average growing season of 200 days, from the last frost (Apr 10) to first frost (Oct 25). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
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