Ocean Acres, NJ planting zone & frost dates
Ocean Acres is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 1 and the first fall frost around November 15, for a growing season of about 230 days.
Planting calendar for Ocean Acres
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 1) 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 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Jan 21 – Feb 4 Transplant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Feb 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 20 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 15).
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 16 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Dec 4 | Nov 15 | Nov 2 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before November 2. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 22.
Nearby cities
- Bayville zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Beachwood zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Holiday City-Berkeley zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Toms River zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Brick zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
- Lakewood zone 7a, last frost Apr 23
- Browns Mills zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Point Pleasant zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Ocean Acres, NJ?
Ocean Acres 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 Ocean Acres?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Ocean Acres is April 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Ocean Acres?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 8 – Apr 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Brant Beach-Beach Haven, NJ (USC00280990), 20.0 km (12.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 2 m, based on 16 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.