Norwalk, CT planting zone & frost dates
Norwalk is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 17 and the first fall frost around October 23, for a growing season of about 188 days.
Planting calendar for Norwalk
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 17) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 28 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 23).
Useful for zone 7a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 3 | Apr 17 | May 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 23 | Oct 8 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 8. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Norwalk
- 06850 zone 7a
- 06851 zone 7a
- 06852 zone 7a
- 06853 zone 7a
- 06854 zone 7a
- 06855 zone 7b
- 06856 zone 7a
- 06857 zone 7a
- 06858 zone 7a
- 06860 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- East Norwalk zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- Westport zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- Darien zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- Wilton zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- New Canaan zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- North Stamford zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- Stamford zone 7a, last frost Apr 17
- Fairfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Norwalk, CT?
Norwalk is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 7b.
When is the last frost in Norwalk?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Norwalk is April 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Norwalk?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 24 – May 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Stamford 5 N, CT (USC00067970), 11.7 km (7.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 58 m, based on 22 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.