Frost Dates for Moscow, ID

In Moscow, ID, the average last spring frost is around Apr 29 and the average first fall frost around Oct 2, for a growing season of about 159 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 14, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 2950% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 14only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 250% chance of frost before this date
Growing season159 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Pullman Moscow Rgnl Airport, WA weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 2,551 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 14Sep 17
20%May 8Sep 23
30%May 5Sep 27
40%May 1Sep 30
50%Apr 29Oct 2
60%Apr 25Oct 6
70%Apr 21Oct 10
80%Apr 15Oct 16
90%Apr 7Oct 25

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)May 18Sep 19
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 29Oct 2
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 3Oct 18

Planting calendar for Moscow

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Peppers
Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Basil
Indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Cucumbers
Indoors Apr 1 – Apr 8
Sow or transplant May 6 – May 20
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Apr 1 – Apr 8
Sow or transplant May 6 – May 20
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow May 6 – May 20
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Apr 1 – Apr 8
Sow or transplant May 13 – May 27
Green beans
Sow May 6 – May 20
Sweet corn
Sow May 6 – May 20
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 18 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Sep 4
Spinach
Sow Mar 18 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 7 – Aug 28
Peas
Sow Mar 18 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 7
Kale
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18
Sow or transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 21
Broccoli
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Fall sowing Jul 10 – Jul 24
Cabbage
Indoors Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Jul 10 – Jul 24
Carrots
Sow Apr 8 – Apr 29
Fall sowing Jul 10 – Jul 24
Radishes
Sow Mar 25 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Aug 21 – Sep 11
Beets
Sow Apr 8 – Apr 29
Fall sowing Jul 24 – Aug 7
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Feb 4 – Feb 18
Plant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Potatoes
Plant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Garlic
Plant Oct 2 – Oct 30

Based on the average last frost (Apr 29) and first frost (Oct 2). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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