Virginia growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start

Zones across Virginia

Virginia covers USDA Zones 6b–8a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

• Zone 6b — Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah highlands. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
• Zone 7a — Roanoke and the Blue Ridge valleys. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
• Zone 7b — Richmond and the central piedmont. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
• Zone 8a — Norfolk and Hampton Roads. Average last frost 03/28, first frost 11/05 (about 222 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Richmond and the central piedmont (Zone 7b)

• Tomatoes: set out April 15 – May 6; fall July 9 – July 30
• Peppers: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 23 – August 13
• Sweet corn: seed April 8 – April 29; fall July 23 – August 13
• Cucumbers: set out April 15 – May 6; fall August 6 – August 27
• Summer squash: seed April 15 – May 6; fall August 13 – September 3
• Green beans (bush): seed April 8 – April 29; fall August 6 – August 27
• Pole beans: seed April 8 – April 29
• Cantaloupe: set out April 15 – May 6

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Where to sell in Virginia

• State buy-local program: the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services runs Virginia Grown. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
• Established market: Southwest Virginia Farmers Market (Hillsville), a state-owned wholesale market. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Established market: 17th Street Farmers Market (Richmond). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
• Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
• Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in Virginia

• Income tax: Graduated state income tax with a top rate that applies to most farm profit.
• Sales tax on inputs: Farm production items are exempt; give the vendor Form ST-18 (Agricultural Exemption Certificate).
• Farmland property tax: Land Use Assessment: counties that adopt it tax qualifying farmland on use value; apply through the county commissioner of the revenue.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in Virginia

• Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share (VACS) program through soil and water conservation districts
• Agricultural Best Management Practices tax credit (claimed on your state return)
• Specialty Crop Block Grant (VDACS)
• USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
• Southern SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

• Virginia Cooperative Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
• Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers