Durham, NH planting zone & frost dates
Durham is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 8 and the first fall frost around October 4, for a growing season of about 148 days.
Planting calendar for Durham
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 8) 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: Mar 13 – Mar 27 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 27 – Mar 13 Transplant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 27 – Apr 10 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 4).
Useful for zone 6a 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 27 | May 8 | May 22 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 20 | Oct 4 | Sep 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 22, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 27.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Durham
- 03824 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Dover zone 6a, last frost May 3
- Somersworth zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Rochester zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Portsmouth zone 6a, last frost May 4
- Salem zone 6a, last frost Apr 21
- Derry Village zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Derry zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Windham zone 6a, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Durham, NH?
Durham is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Durham?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Durham is May 8. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 22.
When can I plant tomatoes in Durham?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 15 – May 22. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Durham, NH (USC00272174), 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 23 m, based on 27 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.