State growing guide
New Hampshire Planting Guide
USDA Zone 5a/5b · Last frost May 10 · First frost Oct 1 · 144 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in New Hampshire.
Frost Dates by City — New Hampshire
Average frost dates for major New Hampshire cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 5b | May 10 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
| Concord | 5b | May 10 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
| Nashua | 6a | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
| Portsmouth | 5b | May 10 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 10) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for New Hampshire Gardeners
- Choose short-season tomato varieties — 70 days or less
- Nashua (Zone 6a) has the longest season in NH
- Start all warm-season crops indoors — direct sowing tomatoes won't work
Common Challenges in New Hampshire
- ⚠ Short growing season (130–150 days)
- ⚠ Rocky soils common in NH — raised beds are often easier
Best Crops for New Hampshire
Tomatoes Potatoes Corn Peas Beets Carrots Winter Squash Kale Garlic
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in New Hampshire
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire Gardening
What zone is New Hampshire?
New Hampshire ranges from Zone 4a (the White Mountains) to Zone 6a (southern border communities like Nashua). Concord and Manchester are Zone 5b.