Stafford, CT planting zone & frost dates
Stafford is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 7 and the first fall frost around October 12, for a growing season of about 159 days.
Planting calendar for Stafford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 7) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 12 – Mar 26 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: May 21 – May 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 26 – Mar 12 Transplant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 26 – Apr 9 Transplant outdoors: May 14 – May 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 17 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 12).
Useful for zone 6a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 23 | May 7 | May 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 27 | Oct 12 | Oct 1 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 1. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 25.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Stafford
- 06075 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Tolland zone 6b, last frost Apr 19
- Storrs zone 6b, last frost Apr 19
- Ellington zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Mansfield City zone 6b, last frost Apr 19
- Willimantic zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
- Enfield zone 6b, last frost Apr 21
- Manchester zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Windham zone 6b, last frost Apr 28
Questions
What growing zone is Stafford, CT?
Stafford is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Stafford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Stafford is May 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Stafford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 14 – May 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Staffordville, CT (USC00067958), 2.8 km (1.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 224 m, based on 18 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.