West Milford, NJ planting zone & frost dates
West Milford is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 19 and the first fall frost around October 23, for a growing season of about 188 days.
Planting calendar for West Milford
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 19) 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 22 – Mar 8 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22 Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 8 – Mar 22 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 28 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 23).
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 5 | Apr 19 | May 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 6 | Oct 23 | Oct 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in West Milford
- 07480 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Wanaque zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Ringwood zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Kinnelon zone 6b, last frost Apr 25
- Pompton Lakes zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Oakland zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Franklin Lakes zone 7a, last frost Apr 19
- Lincoln Park zone 7a, last frost Apr 14
- Wayne zone 7a, last frost Apr 14
Questions
What growing zone is West Milford, NJ?
West Milford 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 Milford?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in West Milford is April 19. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in West Milford?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 26 – May 3. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Wanaque Raymond Dam, NJ (USC00289187), 11.5 km (7.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 75 m, based on 14 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.