New Jersey Planting Guide & Growing Season
New Jersey is in USDA hardiness zone 6a-7b with a growing season of 190 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 15 and the average first fall frost is Oct 20.
Growing Conditions in New Jersey
How New Jersey Compares
Compare New Jersey's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (NJ) | 6a-7b | Apr 15 | Oct 20 | 190 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in New Jersey
When should I start seeds indoors in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the average last frost date is Apr 15. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for New Jersey is 6a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 190 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is New Jersey?
New Jersey falls in USDA hardiness zones 6a-7b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in New Jersey?
The average first frost date in New Jersey is Oct 20. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in New Jersey?
New Jersey has an average growing season of 190 days, from the last frost (Apr 15) to first frost (Oct 20). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.