Understanding your local frost dates is crucial for successful gardening in the UK. This guide helps you plan your growing season and protect your plants from frost damage.

Region	Last Spring Frost	First Autumn Frost	Growing Season
London	Early April	Early November	210-220 days
South East	Mid April	Early November	200-210 days
South West	Mid April	Late October	190-200 days
Midlands	Late April	Mid October	170-180 days
North England	Early May	Early October	150-160 days
Scotland	Mid May	Late September	130-140 days

Frost Type	Temperature	Impact	Protection Methods
Light Frost	0°C to -2°C	Damages tender plants	Fleece, cloches
Moderate Frost	-2°C to -4°C	Kills tender plants	Double protection, greenhouse
Severe Frost	Below -4°C	Damages hardy plants	Heated protection required

Category	Tolerance	Examples	Safe Planting Time
Hardy	-5°C or lower	Brassicas, onions, garlic	Year-round
Half-Hardy	0°C to -2°C	Potatoes, carrots, beetroot	After last frost
Tender	Damaged at 0°C	Tomatoes, beans, squash	2 weeks after last frost

• Clear skies in late afternoon
• Dropping temperatures with no wind
• Humidity below 45%
• Dew forming before sunset
• Weather forecast predicting 4°C or lower

Month	Task	Protection Level
March	Start hardening off	High - Use greenhouse/cold frame
April	Watch forecasts carefully	Medium - Fleece ready
May	Plant tender varieties	Low - Monitor nights
September	Prepare protection	Medium - Watch forecasts
October	Protect tender plants	High - Full protection needed

• Create sheltered growing areas
• Install permanent protection structures
• Choose appropriate varieties for your region
• Develop succession planting schedules
• Keep detailed frost date records
• Monitor local weather patterns

Remember that these dates are averages and can vary year to year. Always monitor local weather forecasts and be prepared to protect plants when necessary.