New Providence, NJ planting zone & frost dates
New Providence is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 18 and the first fall frost around October 27, for a growing season of about 189 days.
Planting calendar for New Providence
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 18) 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 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 1 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 27).
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 18 | May 6 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 10 | Oct 27 | Oct 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 6, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in New Providence
- 07974 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Summit zone 7a, last frost Apr 18
- Berkeley Heights zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Scotch Plains zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Madison zone 7a, last frost Apr 18
- Plainfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Westfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- North Plainfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Springfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is New Providence, NJ?
New Providence is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in New Providence?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in New Providence is April 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 6.
When can I plant tomatoes in New Providence?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 25 – May 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Canoe Brook, NJ (USC00281335), 6.4 km (4.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 55 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.