flats of sprouting seeds
Image by Chrys Gardener

Find out the best dates for starting and setting out your seedlings.

First Planting Dates


The last average frost dates vary throughout Sullivan County. The southern part of the county is May 10-20, with the western/north of county landing closer to May 20-30. The map below can help you determine what frost dates to anticipate in your neck of the woods.

The chart below shows dates various popular garden vegetables can be planted as seeds, sets, or transplants.

First Seeding & Transplanting Dates for Vegetables in NY

* Indicates variety is transplanted.
(x) Indicates variety may be transplanted or
seeded. If transplanted, probably should be later than date given.
(t) Indicates variety may be transplants, sets or seed.

As early as garden may be worked in spring or about   April 15.

After the date of the last average frost in  Ithaca  area (May 14).

After the soil has become warm in spring-June 1.

   Beets
   Broccoli (x)
   Brussels Sprouts (x)
   Cabbage (x)
   Carrots
   Cauliflower (x)
   Celery (x)
   Endive
   Kale
   Kohlrabi
   Leeks
   Lettuce
   Mustard
   Onions (t)
   Parsley
   Peas
   Radish
   Swiss Chard
   Spinach
   Turnips
   Rutabagas

   Beans
   Eggplant*
   Pepper*
   Popcorn
   Potatoes
   Sweet Corn
   Tomatoes*

   Basil
   Cucumber
   Muskmelon*
   Okra*
   Pumpkins*
   Squashes, Summer
   Squashes, Winter*
   Watermelon*

Last updated June 18, 2020