When to plant in Shelton, WA
USDA Zone 8bShelton, Washington frost dates, USDA zone, and a full-year planting calendar, drawn from the nearest NOAA station and tuned to the local season.
In zone 8b, Shelton supports a wide range of perennials year-round; the frost dates above are what set your annual vegetable timing.
Frost probability
SHELTON SANDERSON FLD · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Shelton’s own odds, recorded at SHELTON SANDERSON FLD.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 29 | May 12 | Apr 28 | Sep 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | May 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 6 | Oct 1 | Oct 16 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 25 | Mar 29 | Mar 3 | Oct 12 | Nov 4 | Nov 29 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Shelton, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 24 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Shelton planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Shelton, WA?
On average, the last spring frost in Shelton is around April 27 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Shelton, WA?
The first fall frost in Shelton typically arrives around October 16 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Shelton in?
Shelton is in USDA hardiness zone 8b. In zone 8b, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Shelton?
Shelton has about 172 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (April 27) and first fall frost (October 16).
When should I plant tomatoes in Shelton?
For Shelton, sow tomatoes indoors about March 2–March 16 and move the seedlings out around May 4, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Shelton
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Shelton’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Olympia · 26 km
- Tumwater · 30 km
- Lacey · 31 km
- Artondale · 36 km
- Gig Harbor · 41 km
- University Place · 43 km
- Fort Lewis · 44 km
- Lakewood · 45 km
Frost dates recorded at SHELTON SANDERSON FLD, 3 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Shelton, WA — Frost Dates & Zone 8b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00094227. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/washington/shelton.