Norwich, CT planting zone & frost dates
Norwich is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 14 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 192 days.
Planting calendar for Norwich
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 14) 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 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 3 – Feb 17 Transplant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 3 – Mar 17 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 24).
Useful for zone 6b 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
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 1 | Apr 14 | Apr 30 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 24 | Oct 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 30, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 1.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Norwich
- 06360 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Montville Center zone 6b, last frost Apr 14
- Ledyard zone 6b, last frost Apr 8
- New London zone 7a, last frost Apr 8
- Waterford zone 7a, last frost Apr 16
- Windham zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Plainfield zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Willimantic zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Mansfield City zone 6b, last frost Apr 19
Questions
What growing zone is Norwich, CT?
Norwich is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Norwich?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Norwich is April 14. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 30.
When can I plant tomatoes in Norwich?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 21 – Apr 28. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Norwich Public Utility Plt, CT (USC00065910), 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 26 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.