Natrona Heights, PA planting zone & frost dates
Natrona Heights is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 16 and the first fall frost around November 2, for a growing season of about 199 days.
Planting calendar for Natrona Heights
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 16) 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 19 – Mar 5 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 5 – Feb 19 Transplant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 5 – Mar 19 Transplant outdoors: Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 2).
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 | Mar 31 | Apr 16 | May 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 16 | Nov 2 | Oct 20 |
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 20. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Natrona Heights
- 15065 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- New Kensington zone 6b, last frost Apr 16
- Lower Burrell zone 6b, last frost Apr 16
- Plum zone 6b, last frost Apr 16
- Murrysville zone 6b, last frost Apr 22
- Monroeville zone 6b, last frost Apr 22
- Wilkinsburg zone 6b, last frost Apr 5
- Allison Park zone 6b, last frost Apr 16
- North Versailles zone 6b, last frost Apr 5
Questions
What growing zone is Natrona Heights, PA?
Natrona Heights 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 Natrona Heights?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Natrona Heights is April 16. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Natrona Heights?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 23 – Apr 30. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Natrona Lock 4, PA (USC00366151), 1.4 km (0.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 232 m, based on 9 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.