NORFOLK, Va. — Understanding the average last frost and freeze dates is essential for gardeners in Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina to optimize planting schedules and safeguard crops from late-season cold snaps.

Let’s start with timeframes in which we can typically expect to experience the last freeze, where temperatures dip to 32 degrees.

Norfolk averages the last freeze around St. Patrick’s Day while Suffolk is about 10 days later, and its not until the final few days of March that Williamsburg and Virginia Beach experience theirs.

It’s the later few days of March that Elizabeth City, Edenton and Cape Charles need to be aware of possible late season freezes while Newport News sees an average last freeze around the beginning of April.

Shifting to last potential frost dates, where the temperatures dip in the mid-30s. Norfolk right at the end of March, while Suffolk, Williamsburg and Virginia Beach run the possibility of a frost into almost mid-April.

Elizabeth City, Edenton, Newport News and Cape Charles all average a potential last frost in early to mid-April but could be as late as early May!

Cool-season crops can be planted shortly after the last frost date. Examples include lettuce, spinach, and peas.

However, with warm-season crops it's advisable to wait until the risk of frost has significantly diminished. Crops like tomatoes, peppers, and beans should be planted later in April or even early May.

While average last frost dates provide a general framework, if you’re getting ready to plant be sure to pay attention to the forecast to be informed of any threats for frosts or freezes.