Atlantic City, NJ planting zone & frost dates
Atlantic City is in USDA hardiness zone 8a. The last spring frost usually comes around March 26 and the first fall frost around November 21, for a growing season of about 240 days.
Planting calendar for Atlantic City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (March 26) 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: Jan 29 – Feb 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 15 – Jan 29 Transplant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 12 – Feb 26 Transplant outdoors: Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 21).
Useful for zone 8a 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 | Mar 10 | Mar 26 | Apr 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 7 | Nov 21 | Nov 6 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 6, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 6. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 15.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Atlantic City
- 08401 zone 8a
- 08404 zone 8a
- 08405 zone 8a
Nearby cities
- Ventnor City zone 7b, last frost Mar 26
- Pleasantville zone 7b, last frost Mar 26
- Ocean City zone 7b, last frost Mar 26
- Somers Point zone 7b, last frost Mar 26
- Ocean Acres zone 7a, last frost Apr 1
- Hammonton zone 7a, last frost Apr 14
- Jackson zone 7a, last frost Apr 28
- Bayville zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Atlantic City, NJ?
Atlantic City is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a (average extreme winter low 10°F to 15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Atlantic City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Atlantic City is March 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in Atlantic City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 2 – Apr 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Atlantic City, NJ (USW00013724), 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 3 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.