Frost Dates for Utica, NY

In Utica, NY, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the average first fall frost around Oct 13, for a growing season of about 164 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 17, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostMay 150% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 17only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 1350% chance of frost before this date
Growing season164 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Utica Oneida Co Airport, NY weather station, 9 miles away, elevation 711 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%May 17Sep 29
20%May 11Oct 2
30%May 7Oct 6
40%May 4Oct 9
50%May 1Oct 13
60%Apr 29Oct 16
70%Apr 26Oct 19
80%Apr 23Oct 23
90%Apr 19Nov 1

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)May 13Oct 1
Frost / freeze (32°F)May 1Oct 13
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 20Oct 27

Planting calendar for Utica

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Peppers
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant May 15 – May 29
Basil
Indoors Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant May 8 – May 22
Cucumbers
Indoors Apr 3 – Apr 10
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Apr 3 – Apr 10
Sow or transplant May 8 – May 22
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow May 8 – May 22
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Apr 3 – Apr 10
Sow or transplant May 15 – May 29
Green beans
Sow May 8 – May 22
Sweet corn
Sow May 8 – May 22
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 20 – Apr 3
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 15
Spinach
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall sowing Aug 18 – Sep 8
Peas
Sow Mar 20 – Apr 3
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Kale
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Sow or transplant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Sep 1
Broccoli
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Apr 17 – May 1
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Cabbage
Indoors Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Carrots
Sow Apr 10 – May 1
Fall sowing Jul 21 – Aug 4
Radishes
Sow Mar 27 – Apr 17
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 22
Beets
Sow Apr 10 – May 1
Fall sowing Aug 4 – Aug 18
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Feb 6 – Feb 20
Plant Apr 3 – Apr 17
Potatoes
Plant Apr 10 – Apr 24
Garlic
Plant Oct 13 – Nov 10

Based on the average last frost (May 1) and first frost (Oct 13). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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