New York Planting Guide & Growing Season
New York is in USDA hardiness zone 4a-7b with a growing season of 170 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 25 and the average first fall frost is Oct 10.
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) | 4a-7b | Apr 25 | Oct 10 | 170 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 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 25. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for New York is 4a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 170 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is New York?
New York falls in USDA hardiness zones 4a-7b. 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 Oct 10. 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 170 days, from the last frost (Apr 25) to first frost (Oct 10). 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.