When To Plant Vegetables In Pa

Knowing when to plant vegetables in PA is the first step to a successful garden. Pennsylvania’s varied climate, with its distinct seasons and regional differences, means timing is everything for your harvest.

This guide will help you understand the best planting dates for your area. We’ll break it down by season and vegetable type, so you can plan with confidence.

Pennsylvania spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 7a. This means the last spring frost can range from late April in the north and mountains to mid-April in the southeast. Your local frost dates are your most important calendar marker.

You can find your exact average frost dates by checking with your county’s Penn State Extension office. Keep a garden journal to track your local conditions each year.

Understanding Your Pennsylvania Growing Season

The state is often divided into three broad gardening regions. Your planting schedule will depend on which one you call home.

Southwest & Southeast (Zone 6b-7a): This includes Philadelphia and areas south. You have the longest growing season, with last frosts around April 15-25 and first frosts around October 15-25.
Central PA (Zone 6a-6b): This region, including State College, has a moderate season. Expect the last frost around May 1-10 and the first frost around October 5-15.
Northern & Mountain (Zone 5b-6a): The Pocono and Allegheny regions have a shorter, cooler season. The last frost can be as late as May 15, with first frosts in late September.

Spring Planting: The Main Event

Spring is the busiest planting time. We split vegetables into two groups: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season crops can handle a light frost and even taste better in cooler weather.

Cool-Season Vegetables (Plant in Early Spring)

These go into the ground 2-4 weeks before your last frost date. You can succession plant many of these for a continuous harvest.

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Direct sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable.
Root Vegetables: Radishes, carrots, beets, and turnips. Plant seeds directly; they don’t transplant well.
Cole Crops: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Often started indoors 6-8 weeks earlier and then transplanted outside.
Peas & Onions: Sow pea seeds directly. Plant onion sets or seedlings early.

Warm-Season Vegetables (Plant After Last Frost)

These vegetables are tender and will be damaged by frost. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Nightshades: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. It’s best to start these indoors or buy transplants. Wait until nights are consistantly above 50°F.
Cucurbits: Cucumbers, squash, melons, and pumpkins. You can direct sow seeds or use transplants after the soil is warm.
Beans & Corn: Direct sow seeds. Beans need warm soil to germinate properly.

Summer Planting for a Fall Harvest

Many gardeners miss the opportunity for a second planting in mid-to-late summer. This is perfect for cool-season crops that mature in the crisp autumn air.

To calculate your fall planting dates, find the days to maturity on your seed packet. Then count back from your area’s average first fall frost date, adding an extra 2 weeks for slower growth as days shorten.

For example, if you want kale that matures in 60 days and your first frost is October 10, you should plant around August 1.

Great Vegetables for Fall Planting

Lettuce and Spinach (shade seeds from hot sun initially)
Kale and Collards (flavor sweetens after a frost)
Radishes and Turnips (fast growers)
Beets and Carrots (harvest well into fall)
Bush Beans (for a quick late-summer crop)

Step-by-Step Seasonal Planting Calendar

This calendar uses approximate dates. Always adjust for your specific zone and current weather.

March – April (Early Spring)

As soon as soil is workable: Direct sow peas, spinach, radish, lettuce, and carrot seeds.
Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and broccoli.
Plant onion sets and potato pieces in late March to April.
Transplant hardy cole crops like broccoli and cabbage 2-4 weeks before last frost.

May – Early June (Late Spring)

After last frost date: Transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
Direct sow seeds for beans, corn, squash, and cucumbers.
Succession plant more lettuce and radishes to avoid a glut.

Mid-July – August (Summer for Fall)

Direct sow seeds for fall harvest: carrots, beets, bush beans, and kale.
Start seeds indoors for fall broccoli and cauliflower to transplant in August.
In late August, sow spinach and lettuce for a late fall harvest.

September – October (Fall)

Harvest warm-season crops before the first frost.
Protect fall greens with row covers to extend the harvest.
Plant garlic cloves in late October for a July harvest next year.

Pro Tips for Pennsylvania Gardeners

Soil temperature is a more reliable guide than air temperature for seeding. Invest in a simple soil thermometer. Cool-season seeds germinate best when soil is between 45-75°F.

Warm-season crops need soil above 60°F, with ideal temps for melons and peppers around 70°F. Don’t rush planting into cold, wet soil; seeds will rot and transplants will sulk.

Use season extension tools like cold frames, row covers, and cloches. They can protect early plantings and late harvests, giving you several extra weeks of growing on either end.

Pay attention to crop rotation. Don’t plant the same family of vegetables in the same spot year after year. This helps prevent pest and disease buildup in the soil.

Common Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Planting too early: Impatience is a gardener’s biggest enemy. Tender plants hit by a late frost will need to be replaced.
Ignoring soil prep: Pennsylvania soils often need amending. Get a soil test from Penn State Extension to know what your soil truly needs.
Crowding plants: Follow spacing on seed packets. Good air flow prevents fungal diseases.
Forgetting to harden off: Always acclimate indoor-started plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.

FAQ: Planting Vegetables in Pennsylvania

What month do you start a vegetable garden in PA?
You start preparing in March by sowing seeds indoors and planting hardy peas and greens outdoors as soon as the soil thaws. The main planting months are April through June.

When should I plant tomatoes in Pennsylvania?
Transplant tomato seedlings outdoors 1-2 weeks after your area’s last average spring frost date. For most of PA, this is between Mother’s Day and early June. Never plant them before the last frost.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in PA?
With protection like a cold frame or greenhouse, you can grow cold-hardy greens like spinach and kale through much of the winter. The traditional outdoor growing season runs from April to October.

What are the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners in PA?
Start with lettuce, radishes, bush beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. They have reliable results and are less fussy about perfect conditions then some other crops.

When do you plant peppers in PA?
Peppers are even more cold-sensitive than tomatoes. Wait until night temperatures are reliably above 55°F, usually late May or early June. They thrive in the summer heat.

By following these regional guidelines and paying attention to your local conditions, you can maximize your garden’s productivity. Remember, gardening is part science and part observation—each season teaches you more about your own patch of Pennsylvania soil.