New York Planting Guide & Growing Season
New York is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 175 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 1 - May 15 and the average first fall frost is Sep 30 - Nov 1.
Growing Conditions in New York
How New York Compares
Compare New York's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | Apr 1 - May 15 | Sep 30 - Nov 1 | 175 | |
| Alabama (AL) | Mar 1 - Apr 1 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 | 220 | |
| Alaska (AK) | May 15 - Jun 15 | Aug 15 - Sep 15 | 105 | |
| Arizona (AZ) | Feb 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 15 | 270 | |
| Arkansas (AR) | Mar 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | 210 | |
| California (CA) | Jan 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 31 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in New York
When should I start seeds indoors in New York?
In New York, the average last frost date is Apr 1 - May 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for New York is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 175 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is New York?
New York falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in New York?
The average first frost date in New York is Sep 30 - Nov 1. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in New York?
New York has an average growing season of 175 days, from the last frost (Apr 1 - May 15) to first frost (Sep 30 - Nov 1). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.