West Hartford, CT planting zone & frost dates
West Hartford is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 17 and the first fall frost around October 26, for a growing season of about 191 days.
Planting calendar for West Hartford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 17) 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 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 26).
Useful for zone 6b 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 1 | Apr 17 | May 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 26 | Oct 12 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 1, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 12. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in West Hartford
- 06107 zone 6b
- 06110 zone 6b
- 06117 zone 6b
- 06119 zone 6b
- 06127 zone 6b
- 06133 zone 6b
- 06137 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Hartford zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Bloomfield zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Newington zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- Farmington zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Avon zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Wethersfield zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- New Britain zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
- East Hartford zone 6b, last frost Apr 17
Questions
What growing zone is West Hartford, CT?
West Hartford is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in West Hartford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in West Hartford is April 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in West Hartford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 24 – May 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Hartford Brainard Fld, CT (USW00014752), 8.1 km (5.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 6 m, based on 28 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.