Gardening in New York — Planting Guide
Everything you need to grow a successful garden in New York. Local climate data, USDA zones, frost dates, and month-by-month planting calendars for 2 cities.
Climate Overview for New York
New York spans USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 5, reflecting multiple climate types including Humid subtropical and Hot-summer humid continental. Growing seasons range from 175 to 210 frost-free days, and annual rainfall varies from 1016 to 1268mm across the state.
Best Plants for New York
These plants are rated easy across every city we track in New York
Basil
Herb50-75 days to harvest
easy in New York
Lettuce
Vegetable30-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Mint
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in New York
Green Bean
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Sunflower
Flower70-100 days to harvest
easy in New York
Radish
Vegetable22-30 days to harvest
easy in New York
Arugula
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in New York
Swiss Chard
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Green Onion
Vegetable20-30 days to harvest
easy in New York
Marigold
Flower45-50 days to harvest
easy in New York
Zinnia
Flower60-70 days to harvest
easy in New York
Pansy
Flower55-80 days to harvest
easy in New York
Cosmos
Flower50-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Aloe Vera
Herb365-730 days to harvest
easy in New York
Chive
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in New York
Calendula
Flower45-65 days to harvest
easy in New York
Catnip
Herb60-80 days to harvest
easy in New York
Clover
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in New York
Cress
Vegetable7-14 days to harvest
easy in New York
Dandelion
Vegetable45-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Nasturtium
Flower35-52 days to harvest
easy in New York
Yarrow
Flower60-90 days to harvest
easy in New York
Borage
Herb50-60 days to harvest
easy in New York
Mizuna
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in New York
Tatsoi
Vegetable21-45 days to harvest
easy in New York
Buckwheat
Grain30-45 days to harvest
easy in New YorkCities in New York
Planting Guides by City
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardening in New York
What grows well in New York?
Plants that grow easily across all New York cities include: Basil, Lettuce, Mint, Green Bean, Sunflower, Radish. These are rated "easy" in every city we track in New York. Your specific growing success will also depend on local microclimate and soil conditions.
What USDA hardiness zone is New York?
New York spans USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 5. The specific zone for your area depends on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast.
When is the best time to plant a garden in New York?
The best planting time in New York varies by city. Growing seasons range from 175 to 210 frost-free days. Most New York gardens are active from spring through fall. Click on any city below for month-by-month planting calendars.