Because frosts kill tender plants and seedlings, knowing the average frost free date in your community is an important tool for aiding in successful gardening.
As a rule of thumb for Idaho, the average last frost free date in the spring is around Mother’s Day. It is important to note that this is an average date. In some years, the last frost can be as early as April, or as late as June.
In the autumn, the average first frost usually occurs around the first week of October. Again this is only an average, and some frost can occur as early as mid September or late October around Halloween.You can extend your growing season by placing a hoop house or covering your plants with a sheet of clear plastic to protect against light frosts.
For more information on gardening, contact your local University of Idaho Extension Office or visit us on Facebook!