Frost dates and planting calendar
Goldendale, WA
The typical last spring frost in Goldendale is May 19, and the first fall frost is around September 25. Plant peas from Apr 7; plant tomatoes from May 20.
NOAA 1991–2020 frost normals, Goldendale station. Where these dates come from
About Goldendale
Goldendale sits at about 1,600 feet in the Klickitat Valley, north of the Columbia Gorge, with Mount Hood and Mount Adams in view. Wheat and hay are the main crops on the plateau around town.
Chance of frost through the year
Frost over in 9 years out of 10: after Jun 9
Tomatoes go out May 20 – Jun 17, under frost cover at first
- Very likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
In 9 years out of 10, the last spring frost has passed by Jun 9 and the first fall frost holds off until Sep 8.
What to plant now
Turn on JavaScript to see what's in season today. The full calendar is below.
Make a garden plan for Goldendale Pick your plants and get a dated, printable to-do list.
Inland Northwest. Spokane, Ellensburg, the Okanogan, La Grande, north Idaho, the Magic Valley, eastern Idaho and other higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.
Gardening in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin. Summers are hot with very little rain, so irrigation is a must. The long, hot days suit melons, peppers and sweet corn, and spring winds can dry out or damage young plants, so shelter new transplants.
How the season in Goldendale compares
With 129 frost-free days, Goldendale has the 78th-longest season of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover. They run from 72 days in McCall to 330 days in Brookings and Gold Beach.
The typical last frost here, May 19, is the latest of the towns we cover in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin: 53 days later than Walla Walla and 11 days later than Yakima.
The gap between the typical last frost and the date it's over in 9 years out of 10 is 21 days, about average for the towns on this site. Frost after the typical date still happens about half the time, so plan on covering warm crops until June 9.
Even here, sweet potatoes need nearly the whole season, so plant them on time and pick shorter-season varieties when you can.
For a fall and winter garden, sow carrots by July 17 and set out kale plants by July 31. Fall crops here are timed to the first frost (September 25 on average) and to shortening days.
Planting calendar
Pick a group to see when each plant goes in, or search for one.
Salad greens 7 plants
- SpinachPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 12
- Again for fall Jul 31 – Aug 21
- LettucePlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 31 – Aug 14
- Swiss chardPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 17–31
- ArugulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
- Again for fall Aug 7–28
- CeleryPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 11–25
- Plant May 20 – Jun 24
- MâchePlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 12
- Again for fall Jul 24 – Aug 28
- RadicchioPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jun 19 – Jul 10
Cabbage family 9 plants
- KalePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 17–31
- BroccoliPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jul 3–17
- CabbagePlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- Again for fall Jul 3–17
- CauliflowerPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 21 – May 19
- Again for fall Jun 26 – Jul 10
- Brussels sproutsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Bok choyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 3–17
- Plant Apr 7 – May 12
- Again for fall Jul 31 – Aug 14
- KohlrabiPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 24 – Aug 7
- CollardsPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Jul 17–31
- Mustard greensPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
- Again for fall Jul 31 – Aug 21
Root vegetables 7 plants
- RadishesPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Again for fall Aug 14–28
- CarrotsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 3–17
- BeetsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Again for fall Jul 17–31
- PotatoesPlant seed potatoes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- TurnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
- Again for fall Jul 24 – Aug 7
- ParsnipsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Sweet potatoesPlant rooted cuttings (slips)
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
Tight season: choose an early variety.
Onion family 4 plants
Peas and beans 4 plants
- PeasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
- Bush beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Pole beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jun 30
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Fava beansPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 12
Tomatoes and summer crops 6 plants
- Sweet cornPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jun 30
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- TomatoesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- PeppersPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- EggplantPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 21 – Apr 4
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- TomatillosPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Ground cherriesPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 1–15
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
Squash, cucumbers and melons 5 plants
- CucumbersPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Zucchini and summer squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Winter squashPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 10
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- MelonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors May 2–9
- Plant May 30 – Jun 20
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- PumpkinsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 22–29
- Plant May 20 – Jun 10
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
Herbs 13 plants
- BasilPlant young plants (starts)
- Indoors Apr 18 – May 2
- Plant May 30 – Jun 27
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- CilantroPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 26
- Again for fall Aug 7–21
- ParsleyPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- DillPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 23
- ChivesPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- MintPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- RosemaryPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- ThymePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- OreganoPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- LavenderPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- SagePlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Lemon balmPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- TarragonPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
Berries 10 plants
- StrawberriesPlant young plants
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- BlueberriesPlant potted or bare-root bushes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- RaspberriesPlant bare-root canes
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- BlackberriesPlant bare-root or potted canes
- Plant Apr 7 – May 26
- GrapesPlant bare-root or potted vines
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Hardy kiwiPlant potted vines
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- HoneyberriesPlant potted bushes
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- CurrantsPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- GooseberriesPlant bare-root or potted bushes
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- ElderberriesPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
Perennial vegetables 5 plants
- AsparagusPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- RhubarbPlant dormant crowns
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
- ArtichokesPlant young plants (starts)
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- SorrelPlant seeds or young plants
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- HorseradishPlant root cuttings
- Plant Apr 7 – May 19
Fruit and nut trees 11 plants
- Apple treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Plum treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Cherry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Fig treesPlant potted trees
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 16
- Peach treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Hazelnut treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Persimmon treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Asian pear treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Quince treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Mulberry treesPlant bare-root or potted trees
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
Native plants 15 plants
- HuckleberriesPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Oregon grapePlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Red-flowering currantPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- ServiceberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- CamasPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- ThimbleberryPlant bare-root or potted plants
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- SalmonberryPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- SalalPlant potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- KinnikinnickPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Western columbinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Douglas asterPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Oregon sunshinePlant potted plants or seeds
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Pacific ninebarkPlant bare-root or potted shrubs
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Sword fernPlant potted plants
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
- Oregon irisPlant potted plants or divisions
- Plant Apr 7 – Jun 2
Flowers 13 plants
- DahliasPlant tubers
- Plant May 20 – Jun 17
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- SunflowersPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- Sweet peasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 7 – May 12
- TulipsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- DaffodilsPlant bulbs
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- ZinniasPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- PeoniesPlant bare-root divisions
- Fall Sep 25 – Oct 31
- CosmosPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 14–28
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- NasturtiumsPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant May 26 – Jul 7
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- MarigoldsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Apr 8–22
- Plant May 20 – Jun 24
Frost possible until about Jun 9: keep frost cover handy.
- CalendulaPlant seeds in the ground
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 9
- Again for fall Jul 17–31
- RanunculusPlant soaked corms
- Plant Apr 21 – May 26
- SnapdragonsPlant seeds or young plants
- Indoors Feb 10–24
- Plant Apr 21 – Jun 2
- Start seeds indoors
- Plant in the garden
- Plant again for fall
- Today
- Frost possible
- Frost likely
New to this? Read the beginner's guide or look up a term in the glossary.
ZIP codes that use these dates: 98620. Look up another ZIP.
Where these dates come from
The frost dates for Goldendale come from NOAA's Goldendale weather station, about 1 mile southwest of Goldendale, at 1,640 feet. It's the closest weather station to Goldendale with NOAA's 1991–2020 frost records. It's a NOAA cooperative station, not an airport station.
They're NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals: 30-year averages, not a forecast. How we pick each town's station.
Common questions about frost in Goldendale
When is the last frost in Goldendale?
May 19 in a typical year. Frost is over by June 9 in 9 years out of 10, Tender plants like tomatoes wait longer than that, for warm soil: see the tomato question below.
When is the first frost in Goldendale?
Around September 25. It comes as early as September 8 in 1 year out of 10.
When can I plant tomatoes in Goldendale?
Set out tomato plants May 20 – Jun 17, after starting seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 8. Keep frost cover handy until about Jun 9.
When should I plant garlic in Goldendale?
Plant garlic cloves Sep 25 – Oct 31, and harvest next summer when the lower leaves turn brown.
How long is the growing season in Goldendale?
About 129 frost-free days, one of the shortest of the 86 Oregon, Washington and Idaho towns we cover.