State growing guide
New Jersey Planting Guide
USDA Zone 7a · Last frost Apr 5 · First frost Oct 28 · 206 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in New Jersey.
Frost Dates by City — New Jersey
Average frost dates for major New Jersey cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 6b | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Jersey City | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Trenton | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Princeton | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Cape May | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
| Atlantic City | 7a | Apr 5 | Oct 30 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
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 Jersey Gardeners
- New Jersey has excellent growing conditions — often two vegetable crop rotations possible
- South NJ (Zone 7a–7b) can transplant tomatoes late April
- Jersey tomatoes are famous — the warm ocean-influenced summers are ideal
- Blueberries and cranberries are the iconic NJ crops
Common Challenges in New Jersey
- ⚠ Stink bugs cause major damage to tomatoes and peppers — persistent pest
- ⚠ Sandy Pine Barrens soils need organic amendment
- ⚠ High deer population in suburban NJ — fencing essential
Best Crops for New Jersey
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in New Jersey
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Jersey Gardening
What zone is New Jersey?
New Jersey ranges from Zone 6a (northwestern mountains) to Zone 7b (Cape May coast). Most of NJ is Zone 7a. Coastal areas tend to be warmer due to the Atlantic Ocean's influence.