Stratford, CT planting zone & frost dates
Stratford is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 5 and the first fall frost around November 6, for a growing season of about 216 days.
Planting calendar for Stratford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 5) 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: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8 Transplant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 6).
Useful for zone 7a 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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 25 | Apr 5 | Apr 17 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 20 | Nov 6 | Oct 25 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 17, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 25. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Stratford
- 06614 zone 7a
- 06615 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Bridgeport zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- City of Milford (balance) zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Milford zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Trumbull zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Fairfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 5
- Shelton zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Orange zone 7a, last frost Apr 25
- Derby zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
Questions
What growing zone is Stratford, CT?
Stratford is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Stratford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Stratford is April 5. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 17.
When can I plant tomatoes in Stratford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 12 – Apr 19. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Bridgeport Sikorsky Mem Ap, CT (USW00094702), 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 2 m, based on 30 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.