Frost Dates for Elizabeth, NJ

In Elizabeth, NJ, the average last spring frost is around Apr 2 and the average first fall frost around Nov 10, for a growing season of about 222 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 15, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 15only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 1050% chance of frost before this date
Growing season222 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Newark Intl. Airport, NJ weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 7 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 15Oct 28
20%Apr 9Nov 1
30%Apr 6Nov 4
40%Apr 3Nov 7
50%Apr 2Nov 10
60%Mar 31Nov 13
70%Mar 29Nov 16
80%Mar 25Nov 20
90%Mar 20Nov 25

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 13Oct 30
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 2Nov 10
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 23Nov 22

Planting calendar for Elizabeth

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Peppers
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 22 – Feb 5
Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Basil
Indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 9 – Apr 23
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 5 – Mar 12
Sow or transplant Apr 16 – Apr 30
Green beans
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 9 – Apr 23
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 19 – Mar 5
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 13
Spinach
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 12
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 6
Peas
Sow Feb 19 – Mar 5
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Kale
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Sow or transplant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 29
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Mar 19 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Carrots
Sow Mar 12 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 1
Radishes
Sow Feb 26 – Mar 19
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 20
Beets
Sow Mar 12 – Apr 2
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 8 – Jan 22
Plant Mar 5 – Mar 19
Potatoes
Plant Mar 12 – Mar 26
Garlic
Plant Nov 10 – Dec 8

Based on the average last frost (Apr 2) and first frost (Nov 10). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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