First Planting Dates

In Steuben County, the last average frost date is May 15, and the first average fall frost is October 1. These are average dates and any typical year there can be a late frost in the spring and an early frost in the fall. The chart below shows dates various popular garden vegetables can be planted as seeds, sets or transplants.

First Seeding & Transplanting Dates for Vegetables in NY

* Indicates variety is transplanted
(x) Indicates variety may be transplanted or seeded. If transplanted probably should be later than date given.
(t) Indicates variety may be transplants, sets or seed.

As early as garden may be worked in spring or about April 15.

After the date of the last average frost in Ithaca area (May 14).

After the soil has become warm in spring-June 1.

   Beets
   Broccoli (x)
   Brussels Sprouts (x)
   Cabbage (x)
   Carrots
   Cauliflower (x)
   Celery (x)
   Endive
   Kale
   Kohlrabi
   Leeks
   Lettuce
   Mustard
   Onions (t)
   Parsley
   Peas
   Radish
   Swiss Chard
   Spinach
   Turnips
   Rutabagas

   Beans
   Eggplant*
   Pepper*
   Popcorn
   Potatoes
   Sweet Corn
   Tomatoes*

   Basil
   Cucumber
   Muskmelon*
   Okra*
   Pumpkins*
   Squashes, Summer
   Squashes, Winter*
   Watermelon*

See what is suggested to plant from June 10 - Sept. 10.

Last updated July 26, 2019

Food Gardening

Print a Chart

PRINT a 2-page PDF that lists the First & Last Seeding dates for Steuben County!

NY State Freeze Zone

Visit the NOAA website for a chart of freeze dates in our area.

Seed Viability Information

Image of page 1 of the Seed Viability handout, for use as a link in sidebars

This handout from Virginia Cooperative Extension covers how to save and start seeds, and includes a list of how long you can expect various types of vegetable seeds to remain viable.