Pike Creek Valley, DE planting zone & frost dates
Pike Creek Valley is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 7 and the first fall frost around November 2, for a growing season of about 208 days.
Planting calendar for Pike Creek Valley
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 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: Feb 10 – Feb 24 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 27 – Feb 10 Transplant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 24 – Mar 10 Transplant outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 7 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 2).
Useful for zone 7b 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
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 26 | Apr 7 | Apr 21 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Nov 2 | Oct 19 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 21, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 19. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 27.
Nearby cities
- Hockessin zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Newark zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Brookside zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Bear zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Glasgow zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Wilmington zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Middletown zone 7b, last frost Apr 7
- Smyrna zone 7b, last frost Apr 4
Questions
What growing zone is Pike Creek Valley, DE?
Pike Creek Valley is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Pike Creek Valley?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Pike Creek Valley is April 7. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 21.
When can I plant tomatoes in Pike Creek Valley?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 14 – Apr 21. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Newark Ag Farm, DE (USC00076410), 8.6 km (5.3 mi) from the city center, elevation 32 m, based on 15 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.