Erie, PA planting zone & frost dates
Erie is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 26 and the first fall frost around November 4, for a growing season of about 192 days.
Planting calendar for Erie
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 26) 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 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: May 10 – May 17 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 Transplant outdoors: May 3 – May 10 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 9 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Nov 4).
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 | Apr 10 | Apr 26 | May 13 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 17 | Nov 4 | Oct 21 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 13, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 21. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Erie
- 16501 zone 7a
- 16502 zone 6b
- 16503 zone 6b
- 16504 zone 6b
- 16505 zone 7a
- 16506 zone 6b
- 16507 zone 7a
- 16508 zone 6b
- 16509 zone 6b
- 16510 zone 6b
- 16511 zone 7a
- 16512 zone 7a
- 16514 zone 6b
- 16515 zone 6b
- 16522 zone 7a
- 16530 zone 7a
- 16531 zone 7a
- 16534 zone 7a
- 16538 zone 7a
- 16541 zone 7a
- 16544 zone 6b
- 16546 zone 6b
- 16550 zone 7a
- 16553 zone 7a
- 16563 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Meadville zone 6a, last frost Apr 30
- Oil City zone 6a, last frost May 2
- Hermitage zone 6a, last frost May 15
- Sharon zone 6a, last frost May 1
- New Castle zone 6b, last frost Apr 30
- Butler zone 6b, last frost May 7
- Fernway zone 6b, last frost Apr 27
- Cranberry Township zone 6b, last frost Apr 8
Questions
What growing zone is Erie, PA?
Erie is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6b.
When is the last frost in Erie?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Erie is April 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 13.
When can I plant tomatoes in Erie?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 3 – May 10. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Erie Intl Ap, PA (USW00014860), 9.7 km (6.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 222 m, based on 30 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.