Knowing when to plant veggies in PA is the key to a successful harvest. This guide covers the best planting times for Pennsylvania’s unique climate, helping you plan your garden calendar.
Pennsylvania’s weather can be tricky. It spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 7a, meaning frost dates vary widely. Getting your timing right means your plants will thrive instead of just survive.
When to Plant Veggies in PA – Best Planting Times For
Your planting schedule revolves around one main event: the last spring frost. Your local frost date is your garden’s starting gun. The first fall frost date marks the end of the growing season for tender plants.
As a general rule:
- Southcentral & Southeast PA (Zone 7a): Last frost around April 15-25. First frost around October 15-25.
- Central & Northeast PA (Zone 6b): Last frost around May 1-10. First frost around October 1-10.
- Northern PA (Zones 5b-6a): Last frost around May 10-20. First frost around September 20-30.
Always check a local almanac for the most accurate dates for your specific town.
Understanding Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Crops
This is the most important concept for timing. Vegetables are divided into two main groups based on their temperature preferences.
Cool-Season Vegetables
These crops prefer cooler soil and air temperatures. They can tolerate light frosts and often taste better when matured in cool weather. You plant them in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Plant 2-4 weeks BEFORE your last spring frost: Peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, and parsnips.
- Plant ON your last frost date: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and potato sets.
- For a Fall Harvest: Count backwards from your first fall frost date. Use the “days to maturity” on the seed packet and add 2 weeks for slower growth in cooler fall light.
Warm-Season Vegetables
These plants need warm soil and no frost. They are typically planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. They thrive in the heat of summer.
- Plant 1-2 weeks AFTER your last frost date: Beans, corn, and cucumbers.
- Plant 2-4 weeks AFTER your last frost date (when soil is warm): Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, pumpkins, melons, and okra.
Your Pennsylvania Month-by-Month Planting Guide
This calendar provides a general framework. Adjust it based on your specific zone and that year’s weather patterns.
March – Early Spring Preparation
This is a planning and prep month. The ground is often to wet to work. If you squeeze a handful of soil and it stays in a muddy ball, it’s too wet. Wait until it crumbles.
- Indoors: Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, and cabbage. They need a 6-8 week head start before transplanting outside.
- Outdoors: Near the end of the month in warmer zones (7a), you can direct sow peas, spinach, and radishes if the soil is workable.
April – The Spring Push
Weather is unpredictable. Have row covers or cloths ready to protect young plants from a surprise late frost.
- Early April (South/West): Direct sow carrots, beets, lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard. Plant potato sets.
- Late April (South/West): Direct sow beans and corn if soil is warm (above 60°F). Begin hardening off indoor-started seedlings.
- Northern Zones: Focus on indoor seedlings and garden bed preparation. Direct sowing usually waits until May.
May – The Main Planting Month
For most of Pennsylvania, May is the busiest planting time. The risk of frost diminishes significantly for all but the highest elevations by month’s end.
- Early May: Transplant hardened-off broccoli and cabbage. Direct sow more successions of lettuce and radishes.
- After Mother’s Day (a common gardener’s rule of thumb): In zones 6b and below, it’s generally safe to plant beans, cucumbers, and corn.
- Late May/Early June: Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and basil. Direct sow squash, pumpkins, and melons. The soil is finally warm enough for them.
June – Finishing Warm Crops & Succession Planting
Finish setting out any remaining warm-season transplants. This is also the time for succession planting to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Transplant any remaining tomatoes or peppers.
- Direct sow another round of beans, corn, and cucumbers for a later harvest.
- Sow heat-tolerant varieties of lettuce or switch to Swiss chard for summer greens.
July – Begin the Fall Garden
It might feel like summer just started, but now is the time to think about fall. Many cool-season crops can be planted in mid-to-late summer.
- Mid-July: Start seeds indoors for fall broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. They need the protection of a seedling tray during summer heat.
- Late July: Direct sow carrots, beets, and bush beans for fall. These will mature as the weather cools.
August – Prime Fall Planting Time
This is the second major planting season. The soil is warm, which aids germination, and the cooling air temperatures are perfect for cool-weather crops.
- Direct sow lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and turnips.
- Transplant your indoor-started broccoli and cauliflower seedlings.
- Plant garlic cloves for next summer’s harvest (usually done in October, but some gardeners start earlier).
Essential Tips for Pennsylvania Gardeners
Beyond the calendar, these practices will improve your results.
1. Know Your Microclimate
Your yard has its own mini-climates. A south-facing slope warms up faster in spring. A low spot collects cold air and frost. Observe these patterns and plant accordingly.
2. Invest in a Soil Thermometer
This is a game-changer. Warm-season seeds rot in cold soil. Plant tomatoes and peppers only when soil is consistently above 60°F. For melons and squash, wait for 70°F.
3. Use Season Extension Tools
To get a head start in spring and protect plants in fall, use simple tools.
- Cold Frames: Act like mini-greenhouses for hardening off seedlings or growing cold-hardy greens into winter.
- Row Covers: Lightweight fabric that protects plants from frost and pests. They can gain you several weeks on either end of the season.
- Mulch: Apply black plastic mulch to warm soil faster in spring. Use straw or wood chip mulch in summer to retain moisture and cool roots.
4. Keep a Garden Journal
Note down when you planted, what varieties you used, and when you harvested. Record the weather and any pest issues. This is your most valuable tool for improving your timing each year. It’s easy to forget these details from one season to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best planting schedule for vegetables in Pennsylvania?
Follow the cool-season/warm-season guidelines above, using your local frost dates as anchors. The month-by-month calendar provides a solid starting point.
When should I start seeds indoors for my PA garden?
Start long-season, heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers 6-8 weeks before your last frost. Start broccoli and cabbage 4-6 weeks before your last frost. The seed packet usually provides the best guidance.
What can I plant in early spring in PA?
As soon as the soil is workable, you can plant peas, spinach, radishes, lettuce, kale, and onion sets. These crops are tolerant of cold soil and light frosts.
How late can you plant tomatoes in Pennsylvania?
For a full harvest, aim to have tomatoes in the ground by early to mid-June. Later plantings may still produce, but your yeild will be lower before the first fall frost arrives.
What vegetables can I plant for a fall harvest in PA?
Many spring crops are excellent for fall. Sow lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, carrots, and beets in late July through August. Transplant broccoli and cauliflower in August.
Gardening in Pennsylvania is all about working with the seasons. By understanding your frost dates and the needs of your plants, you can create a productive and rewarding garden that feeds you from spring straight through to fall. Remember, these dates are guides, not rules—always keep an eye on the forcast and the condition of your soil.