North Plainfield, NJ planting zone & frost dates
North Plainfield is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 11 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 198 days.
Planting calendar for North Plainfield
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 11) 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 14 – Feb 28 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 31 – Feb 14 Transplant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 28 – Mar 14 Transplant outdoors: Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 28).
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 31 | Apr 11 | Apr 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 10 | Oct 28 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 31.
Nearby cities
- Plainfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Scotch Plains zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- South Plainfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Berkeley Heights zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- New Providence zone 7a, last frost Apr 18
- Westfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Middlesex zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
- Warren Township zone 7a, last frost Apr 11
Questions
What growing zone is North Plainfield, NJ?
North Plainfield 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 North Plainfield?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in North Plainfield is April 11. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in North Plainfield?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 18 – Apr 25. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Plainfield, NJ (USC00287079), 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 27 m, based on 13 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.