Planting Dates for New York
New York's diverse geography spans from the mild Hudson Valley and Long Island to the challenging Adirondack mountains. The Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley are premier agricultural regions.
USDA Zones 3b-7b • 100-220 frost-free days depending on location
Frost Dates in New York
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for New York cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | USDA Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Apr 1 | Nov 12 | 225 | 7b |
| Albany | May 1 | Oct 3 | 155 | 5b |
| Syracuse | Apr 28 | Oct 8 | 163 | 5b |
| Buffalo | Apr 30 | Oct 14 | 167 | 6a |
Gardening Tips for New York
- ✓Long Island and NYC enjoy zone 7 conditions with long growing seasons.
- ✓The Hudson Valley's microclimate is excellent for diverse vegetable production.
- ✓Adirondack gardeners should focus on cold-hardy, short-season varieties.
- ✓Start seeds indoors by March for transplanting after your local frost date.
What to Plant in New York
Cold-Hardy Crops (plant early)
These crops tolerate frost and can be planted 2-6 weeks before your last frost date.
30-60 days from sowing
55-70 days from sowing
60-80 days from sowing
50-70 days from sowing
55-80 days from transplant
35-50 days from sowing
20-35 days from sowing
July-August the following year
90-120 days from transplant
70-120 days from planting
50-70 days from sowing
50-60 days from sowing
Warm-Season Crops (plant after last frost)
Start these indoors and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
60-85 days from transplant
60-90 days from transplant
50-65 days from sowing
50-65 days from sowing
45-60 days from sowing
60-100 days from sowing
30-60 days from sowing
Get Exact Planting Dates for New York
Enter your city's frost date and get precise seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 38+ vegetables — free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost date in New York?
Last frost dates in New York vary by city: New York City (Apr 1), Albany (May 1), Syracuse (Apr 28), Buffalo (Apr 30).
What USDA hardiness zones are in New York?
New York spans USDA hardiness zones 3b-7b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.
What vegetables grow best in New York?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across New York. In warmer zones, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do well with proper timing. Use our free calculator for exact planting dates.
How long is the growing season in New York?
100-220 frost-free days depending on location. Extend your season with cold frames, row covers, and indoor seed starting.
Planting Dates by State
Explore More Resources
Planting Dates by Province
Province-specific planting dates, zones, and growing tips for all 10 provinces.
US State Planting Dates
USDA zones, frost dates, and growing tips for all 50 US states.
Frost Dates Canada
Find your last spring frost and first fall frost dates by province.
When to Plant Vegetables
19 popular crops with timing, frost tolerance, and Canadian tips.
Succession Planting
Plan continuous harvests with succession planting schedules.
Free Calculator
Calculate exact planting dates based on your location and frost dates.