Frost Dates for Chester, PA
In Chester, PA, the average last spring frost is around Mar 30 and the average first fall frost around Nov 16, for a growing season of about 230 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Marcus Hook, PA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 10 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% | Apr 9 | Nov 2 |
| 20% | Apr 5 | Nov 6 |
| 30% | Apr 3 | Nov 10 |
| 40% | Apr 1 | Nov 13 |
| 50% | Mar 30 | Nov 16 |
| 60% | Mar 27 | Nov 19 |
| 70% | Mar 25 | Nov 23 |
| 80% | Mar 21 | Nov 27 |
| 90% | Mar 16 | Dec 2 |
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 9 | Nov 2 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Mar 30 | Nov 16 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Mar 20 | Nov 28 |
Planting calendar for Chester
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 6 – Apr 20
Sow or transplant Apr 13 – Apr 27
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 19
Fall sowing Sep 21 – Oct 12
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Oct 5
Transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Fall sowing Aug 24 – Sep 7
Fall sowing Oct 5 – Oct 26
Fall sowing Sep 7 – Sep 21
Plant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Based on the average last frost (Mar 30) and first frost (Nov 16). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.