When to plant in New York
New York spans USDA hardiness zones 3b-7b. Average last spring frost: mid May (north) / mid April (NYC/LI). Average first fall frost: late September (north) / mid October (NYC). This calendar is anchored to Cornell Cooperative Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
New York at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 3b-7b |
| Region | Northeast |
| Average last spring frost | mid May (north) / mid April (NYC/LI) |
| Average first fall frost | late September (north) / mid October (NYC) |
| Primary Extension service | Cornell Cooperative Extension |
What grows particularly well in New York
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees Cornell Cooperative Extension highlights as well-suited to New York's climate:
- apple
- grape (Finger Lakes)
- blueberry
- peony
- hydrangea
- daylily
- rhododendron
New York planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: mid May (north) / mid April (NYC/LI))
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in New York: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most New York gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: late September (north) / mid October (NYC))
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In New York: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of New York - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of New York is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common New York challenges
Huge zone variation 3b to 7b; lake-effect snow; clay soils in much of state; high deer pressure; spotted lanternfly statewide; emerald ash borer. For region-specific guidance, see our Northeast regional gardening guide.
Where to get New York-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. Cornell Cooperative Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit Cornell Cooperative Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Northeast regional gardening guide