Virginia, US

Planting calendar for Newport News

Last frost around March 12, first frost around November 28: about 261 frost-free days.

Last frost: March 12
First frost: November 28
Frost-free days: 261

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Fava bean
Garlic
Leek
Brussels sprout
Mint
Rhubarb

Under cover

Parsnip
Radish
Spinach
Arugula
Celery
Onion
Scallion
Shallot
Bok choy
Cilantro
Raspberry

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Newport News. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)

When to sow each crop in Newport News, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Chile pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bell pepper	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Beet	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsnip	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Radish	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Potato	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Spinach	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Swiss chard	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Arugula	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Celery	January: Sow outdoors and under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Sow under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Beans and peas
Runner bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Fava bean	January: Sow under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Sow under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Pea	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Onion family
Onion	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Garlic	January: Plant under cover	February: Not this month	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Leek	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Scallion	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Shallot	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant under cover	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant under cover	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Brassicas
Cabbage	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Broccoli	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cauliflower	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Brussels sprout	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow outdoors and under cover
Kale	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Bok choy	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Herbs
Basil	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Parsley	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cilantro	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Sow under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow under cover	December: Not this month
Chives	January: Sow under cover	February: Sow outdoors and under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow under cover	June: Not this month	July: Sow under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Mint	January: Not this month	February: Sow under cover	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Sow outdoors and under cover	June: Sow outdoors and under cover	July: Sow outdoors and under cover	August: Sow outdoors and under cover	September: Sow outdoors and under cover	October: Sow outdoors and under cover	November: Sow outdoors and under cover	December: Sow under cover
Fruit
Strawberry	January: Plant under cover	February: Plant outdoors and under cover	March: Plant outdoors and under cover	April: Plant outdoors and under cover	May: Plant under cover	June: Not this month	July: Plant under cover	August: Plant outdoors and under cover	September: Plant outdoors and under cover	October: Plant under cover	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Raspberry	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Plant under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover
Rhubarb	January: Plant outdoors and under cover	February: Plant under cover	March: Not this month	April: Not this month	May: Not this month	June: Not this month	July: Not this month	August: Not this month	September: Not this month	October: Plant under cover	November: Plant outdoors and under cover	December: Plant outdoors and under cover

Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.

Crop by crop

Fruiting

TomatoOutdoors Apr 16 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 19 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 19 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 16, ready around June 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors Apr 15 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 18 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 29
Under cover: Mar 18 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around July 8.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors Apr 20 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 23 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 28

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Aug 31
Under cover: Mar 23 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 28
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around July 7.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors Apr 20 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 23 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 29
Under cover: Mar 23 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on April 20, ready around July 19.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors Apr 15 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 18; Under cover Mar 18 to Oct 16

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 18
Under cover: Mar 18 to Oct 16
First harvest: About 44 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around May 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors Apr 15 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 18 to Oct 11

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 13
Under cover: Mar 18 to Oct 11
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors Apr 15 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 18 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Sep 1
Under cover: Mar 18 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on April 15, ready around June 20.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors Apr 10 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Sep 2; Under cover Mar 13 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 16, and Jul 28 to Sep 2
Under cover: Mar 13 to Jun 13, and Jun 30 to Sep 30
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on April 10, ready around June 12.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Feb 24 to Jun 4, and Jul 28 to Sep 6; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Jun 4, and Jul 28 to Sep 6
Under cover: Jan 27 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 86 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around May 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Feb 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 28 to Sep 19; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 17

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 28 to Sep 19
Under cover: Jan 27 to Oct 17
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around April 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 21, and Dec 12 to Dec 25; Under cover Jan 9 to May 27, and Jun 30 to Sep 18, and Nov 14 to Nov 27, and Dec 12 to Dec 25

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 28 to Aug 21, and Dec 12 to Dec 25
Under cover: Jan 9 to May 27, and Jun 30 to Sep 18, and Nov 14 to Nov 27, and Dec 12 to Dec 25
First harvest: About 110 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around June 1.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Feb 11 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 27; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 24

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Oct 27
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Nov 24
First harvest: About 27 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 8, and Jul 28 to Sep 7; Under cover Jan 14 to May 6, and Jun 30 to Oct 5

Plant outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 8, and Jul 28 to Sep 7
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 6, and Jun 30 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 88 days after planting. Planted on February 11, ready around May 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Feb 11 to May 13, and Aug 14 to Oct 1; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 10, and Jul 17 to Oct 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 13, and Aug 14 to Oct 1
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 10, and Jul 17 to Oct 29
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Feb 15 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Sep 27; Under cover Jan 18 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Oct 25

Sow outdoors: Feb 15 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Sep 27
Under cover: Jan 18 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Oct 25
First harvest: About 63 days after sowing. Sown on February 15, ready around April 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 25; Under cover Jan 14 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 25
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 22
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Feb 24 to Oct 1; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 29

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Oct 1
Under cover: Jan 27 to Oct 29
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around April 19.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 25; Under cover Jan 14 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 22

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 25
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 22
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around March 21.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Jan 27 to Mar 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 26, and Dec 7 to Jan 8; Under cover Jun 30 to Sep 23, and Nov 9 to Apr 25

Sow outdoors: Jan 27 to Mar 28, and Jul 28 to Aug 26, and Dec 7 to Jan 8
Under cover: Jun 30 to Sep 23, and Nov 9 to Apr 25
First harvest: About 117 days after sowing. Sown on January 27, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors Apr 10 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 6; Under cover Mar 13 to Oct 4

Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 26, and Jul 28 to Sep 6
Under cover: Mar 13 to Oct 4
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on April 10, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors Apr 10 to Jun 10, and Jul 28 to Sep 16; Under cover Mar 13 to Oct 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to Jun 10, and Jul 28 to Sep 16
Under cover: Mar 13 to Oct 14
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on April 10, ready around May 31.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Nov 8 to Dec 16; Under cover Oct 11 to Jan 13

Sow outdoors: Nov 8 to Dec 16
Under cover: Oct 11 to Jan 13
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on November 8, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Feb 11 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 11; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 4, and Aug 21 to Sep 11
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 1, and Jul 24 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 72 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 24.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Feb 7 to Mar 30, and Jul 28 to Aug 24, and Nov 25 to Dec 29; Under cover Jun 30 to Sep 21, and Oct 28 to Apr 27

Plant outdoors: Feb 7 to Mar 30, and Jul 28 to Aug 24, and Nov 25 to Dec 29
Under cover: Jun 30 to Sep 21, and Oct 28 to Apr 27
First harvest: About 118 days after planting. Planted on February 7, ready around June 5.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Nov 8 to Dec 25; Under cover Oct 11 to Jan 22

Plant outdoors: Nov 8 to Dec 25
Under cover: Oct 11 to Jan 22
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on November 8, ready around July 16.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Feb 11 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Dec 25; Under cover all year

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 29, and Jul 28 to Dec 25
Under cover: all year
First harvest: About 123 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Jan 27 to Oct 13; Under cover Dec 30 to Nov 10

Sow outdoors: Jan 27 to Oct 13
Under cover: Dec 30 to Nov 10
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on January 27, ready around April 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Jul 28 to Aug 26, and Dec 7 to Apr 2; Under cover Jun 30 to Sep 23, and Nov 9 to Apr 30

Plant outdoors: Jul 28 to Aug 26, and Dec 7 to Apr 2
Under cover: Jun 30 to Sep 23, and Nov 9 to Apr 30
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on July 28, ready around October 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Feb 11 to Jun 5, and Jul 28 to Sep 7; Under cover Jan 14 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Jun 5, and Jul 28 to Sep 7
Under cover: Jan 14 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 96 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 18.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Feb 24 to May 25, and Jul 28 to Sep 7; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 5

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to May 25, and Jul 28 to Sep 7
Under cover: Jan 27 to Oct 5
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around May 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Feb 11 to May 4; Under cover Jan 14 to Jun 1

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to May 4
Under cover: Jan 14 to Jun 1
First harvest: About 103 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around May 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 28 to Dec 25; Under cover Jun 30 to May 11

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 28 to Dec 25
Under cover: Jun 30 to May 11
First harvest: About 138 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Feb 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 28 to Sep 14; Under cover Jan 27 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Jun 9, and Jul 28 to Sep 14
Under cover: Jan 27 to Oct 12
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around May 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Mar 6 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 14; Under cover Feb 6 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 11

Sow outdoors: Mar 6 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 14
Under cover: Feb 6 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 11
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 6, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Mar 12 to Jun 11, and Jul 28 to Sep 19; Under cover Feb 12 to Oct 17

Sow outdoors: Mar 12 to Jun 11, and Jul 28 to Sep 19
Under cover: Feb 12 to Oct 17
First harvest: About 50 days after sowing. Sown on March 12, ready around May 1.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Feb 11 to Sep 30; Under cover Jan 14 to Oct 28

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Sep 30
Under cover: Jan 14 to Oct 28
First harvest: About 68 days after sowing. Sown on February 11, ready around April 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Feb 24 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 13; Under cover Jan 27 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 10

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Apr 27, and Aug 28 to Oct 13
Under cover: Jan 27 to May 25, and Jul 31 to Nov 10
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on February 24, ready around April 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 14; Under cover Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 30 to Oct 12

Sow outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 29, and Jul 28 to Sep 14
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 27, and Jun 30 to Oct 12
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Chives across the US, town by town

MintOutdoors Feb 24 to Nov 16; Under cover Jan 27 to Dec 14

Sow outdoors: Feb 24 to Nov 16
Under cover: Jan 27 to Dec 14
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Mint across the US, town by town

Fruit

StrawberryOutdoors Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 28 to Sep 11; Under cover Jan 14 to May 11, and Jun 30 to Oct 9

Plant outdoors: Feb 11 to Apr 13, and Jul 28 to Sep 11
Under cover: Jan 14 to May 11, and Jun 30 to Oct 9
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Strawberry across the US, town by town

RaspberryOutdoors Nov 30 to Jan 17; Under cover Nov 2 to Feb 14

Plant outdoors: Nov 30 to Jan 17
Under cover: Nov 2 to Feb 14
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Raspberry across the US, town by town

RhubarbOutdoors Nov 18 to Jan 17; Under cover Oct 21 to Feb 14

Plant outdoors: Nov 18 to Jan 17
Under cover: Oct 21 to Feb 14
First harvest: Crops every year once it’s established.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Rhubarb across the US, town by town

Nearby

Questions about growing in Newport News

When is the last frost in Newport News?

On average around March 12, and the first autumn frost comes around November 28. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.

Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Newport News?

Yes. Plant them outdoors Apr 16 to May 11, and Jul 28 to Aug 31, or under cover Mar 19 to Jun 8, and Jun 30 to Sep 28.

What can I sow in Newport News in November?

Outdoors: fava bean, garlic, leek, Brussels sprout, mint, rhubarb. Under cover: parsnip, radish, spinach, arugula, celery, onion, scallion, shallot, bok choy, cilantro, raspberry.

How accurate are these dates?

They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Newport News. Free for 2 months.

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How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work