New York Planting Calendar

Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for New York gardeners.

Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b

The Short Answer

New York spans USDA zones 3b through 7b, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Adirondacks has an average last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Western New York sees its last frost around May 1 - May 15. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.

New York Frost Dates by Region

Wide climate variation. NYC has mild winters. Adirondacks have very short seasons. Lake effect modifies weather near Great Lakes.

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Adirondacks 3b, 4a, 4b May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Capital Region/Hudson Valley 5a, 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
New York City/Long Island 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 20 - Nov 10
Western New York 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Soil & Growing Conditions

Diverse soils. Rich agricultural land in western NY and Hudson Valley. Rocky in Adirondacks. Clay in some areas.

What to Plant in New York

New York's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:

Warm-Season Stars

TomatoesPeppersCucumbersSquash (Summer)Beans (Green/Snap)Corn (Sweet)EggplantWatermelon

Cool-Season & Year-Round

GarlicKaleLettuceBroccoliPeasCarrotsPotatoesSpinachBeetsOnionsCabbageCauliflower

Flowers, Herbs & More

BasilSunflowersZinniasMarigoldsLavenderDayliliesTulipsDaffodilsParsleyCilantro

Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.

Neighboring States

Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Note: Frost dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages. Actual frost dates can vary significantly year to year. Zone data is from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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