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

Food Gardening

Print a Chart

Print off this Vegetable Planting Guide from Westchester County that can help you manage your garden, but keep in mind the specific dates may vary due to location.

NY State Freeze Zone

Visit the Almanac website for a chart of freeze dates in our area.

Seed Viability Information

How to Save a Vegetable Seed Presentation from CCE Westchester County, is a great tool for learning to save seeds.

Seed for the Garden Handout from Virginia Cooperative Extension covers how to save and start seeds, and includes a list of how long you can expect various types of vegetable seeds to remain viable.

image of fact sheet from Virginia Cooperative Extension on "Seed Viability" (230px wide) for use as sidebar image link in fact sheet.