Frost Dates for Paterson, NJ
In Paterson, NJ, the average last spring frost is around Apr 15 and the average first fall frost around Oct 28, for a growing season of about 195 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 1, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Little Falls, NJ weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 150 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 1 | Oct 13 |
| 20% | Apr 25 | Oct 18 |
| 30% | Apr 20 | Oct 22 |
| 40% | Apr 17 | Oct 26 |
| 50% | Apr 15 | Oct 28 |
| 60% | Apr 10 | Oct 31 |
| 70% | Apr 8 | Nov 3 |
| 80% | Apr 5 | Nov 5 |
| 90% | Apr 1 | Nov 9 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 27 | Oct 17 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 15 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 2 | Nov 7 |
Planting calendar for Paterson
Transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Sow or transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Sow or transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Sow or transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Sow or transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Sep 2 – Sep 30
Fall sowing Sep 2 – Sep 23
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 2
Sow or transplant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 16
Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Fall sowing Aug 5 – Aug 19
Fall sowing Sep 16 – Oct 7
Fall sowing Aug 19 – Sep 2
Plant Mar 18 – Apr 1
Based on the average last frost (Apr 15) and first frost (Oct 28). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.