Whether you're starting a new garden or extending an existing one, give careful consideration to where you site it.
Ground Rules
- Choose a Sunny Spot. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Avoid planting crops near large trees.
- Good airflow will encourage sturdy growth in your plants and help to keep diseases at bay.
- Shelter from winds is helpful for most crops, especially peppers, eggplant, peas, beans, and any climbing vegetables.
Virginia Frosts and Growing Seasons
- City: Richmond
- Growing Season (Days): 204
- Last Spring Frost: Apr. 9
- First Fall Frost: Oct. 31
Dates given are normal averages for a light freeze; local weather and topography may cause considerable variations. The possibility of frost occuring after the spring dates and before the fall dates is 30%. The classification of freeze temperatures is usually based on their effects on plants. Light freeze: 29 to 32 degrees Farenheit - tender plants killed. Moderate freeze: 25 to 28 degrees Farenheit - widely destructive to most plants.
Notes
Cold air is heavier than warm air, so it settles in low points in the garden and near structures such as walls and fences. Avoid planting in these potential frost pockets; doing so can delay the time when you can start to sow seeds, as well as lead to damage in young growth.
The last frost in spring and first frost in fall will also affect your success: If the season is not long enough, your plants may not reach maturity.
