Find out the best dates for starting and setting out your seedlings.
First Planting Dates
In Tompkins County, the last average frost date is May 14, and the first average fall frost is October 1. The chart below shows dates various popular garden vegetables can be planted as seeds, sets or transplants.
PRINT a 2-page PDF (31 kb) that lists the 1st & last seeding dates for Tompkins County!
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.
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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. |
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Beets
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Beans
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Basil
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See what is suggested to plant from June 10 - Sept. 10.
Last updated April 22, 2023
Find Your Zone!
The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended. Users may also simply type in a ZIP Code and find the hardiness zone for that area.
NY State Freeze Zone
Visit the NOAA website for a chart of freeze dates in our area.
Seed Viability Information
This 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.
