Tonawanda, NY planting zone & frost dates
Tonawanda is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 6 and the first fall frost around October 15, for a growing season of about 160 days.
Planting calendar for Tonawanda
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 6) 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: Mar 11 – Mar 25 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: May 20 – May 27 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 25 – Mar 11 Transplant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 25 – Apr 8 Transplant outdoors: May 13 – May 20 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 20 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 15).
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 24 | May 6 | May 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 30 | Oct 15 | Sep 30 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 30. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 26.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Tonawanda
- 14150 zone 6b
- 14151 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- North Tonawanda zone 6b, last frost May 6
- Kenmore zone 6b, last frost May 6
- Grand Island zone 6b, last frost Apr 26
- Amherst zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- Eggertsville zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- Buffalo zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- Cheektowaga zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
- East Amherst zone 6b, last frost Apr 24
Questions
What growing zone is Tonawanda, NY?
Tonawanda 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 Tonawanda?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Tonawanda is May 6. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Tonawanda?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 13 – May 20. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station N Tonawanda, NY (USC00306047), 4.4 km (2.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 176 m, based on 17 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.