Frost Dates for Monroe, LA

In Monroe, LA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 8 and the average first fall frost around Nov 15, for a growing season of about 253 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 25, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMar 850% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMar 25only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1550% chance of frost before this date
Growing season253 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Monroe Rgnl Airport, LA weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 79 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%Mar 25Nov 1
20%Mar 19Nov 4
30%Mar 14Nov 8
40%Mar 11Nov 12
50%Mar 8Nov 15
60%Mar 3Nov 18
70%Feb 28Nov 23
80%Feb 24Nov 27
90%Feb 16Dec 3

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)Mar 23Nov 3
Frost / freeze (32°F)Mar 8Nov 15
Hard freeze (28°F)Feb 23Nov 29

Planting calendar for Monroe

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Peppers
Indoors Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Eggplant
Indoors Dec 28 – Jan 11
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Basil
Indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Cucumbers
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 15
Sow or transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 15
Sow or transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Mar 15 – Mar 29
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 15
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Green beans
Sow Mar 15 – Mar 29
Sweet corn
Sow Mar 15 – Mar 29
Lettuce
Indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 18
Spinach
Sow Jan 25 – Feb 15
Fall sowing Sep 20 – Oct 11
Peas
Sow Jan 25 – Feb 8
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Kale
Indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Oct 4
Broccoli
Indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25
Transplant Feb 22 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Cabbage
Indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25
Transplant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Carrots
Sow Feb 15 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 6
Radishes
Sow Feb 1 – Feb 22
Fall sowing Oct 4 – Oct 25
Beets
Sow Feb 15 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Sep 6 – Sep 20
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Dec 14 – Dec 28
Plant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Potatoes
Plant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Garlic
Plant Nov 15 – Dec 13

Based on the average last frost (Mar 8) and first frost (Nov 15). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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