Paterson, NJ planting zone & frost dates
Paterson is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 15 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 195 days.
Planting calendar for Paterson
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 15) 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 18 – Mar 4 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 4 – Feb 18 Transplant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 4 – Mar 18 Transplant outdoors: Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
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
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 | Apr 1 | Apr 15 | May 1 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 9 | Oct 28 | Oct 13 |
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 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Paterson
- 07501 zone 7a
- 07502 zone 7a
- 07503 zone 7a
- 07504 zone 7a
- 07505 zone 7a
- 07509 zone 7a
- 07510 zone 7a
- 07513 zone 7a
- 07514 zone 7a
- 07522 zone 7a
- 07524 zone 7a
- 07533 zone 7a
- 07543 zone 7a
- 07544 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Woodland Park zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Hawthorne zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Totowa zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Fair Lawn zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Elmwood Park zone 7a, last frost Apr 3
- Clifton zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Little Falls zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
- Glen Rock zone 7a, last frost Apr 15
Questions
What growing zone is Paterson, NJ?
Paterson 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 Paterson?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Paterson is April 15. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 1.
When can I plant tomatoes in Paterson?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 22 – Apr 29. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Little Falls, NJ (USC00284887), 5.7 km (3.5 mi) from the city center, elevation 46 m, based on 11 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.