Trenton, NJ Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Trenton usually comes around Apr 10 and the first fall frost around Nov 2, a growing season of about 206 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13 and plant them outside Apr 24 – May 8.

Last spring frostApr 10
First fall frostNov 2
Growing season206 days

When to plant vegetables in Trenton

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 8—
PeppersFeb 20 – Mar 6May 1 – May 15—
EggplantFeb 20 – Mar 6May 1 – May 15—
Cucumbers—Apr 24 – May 8—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 24 – May 8—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 1 – May 15—
Green beans—Apr 24 – May 8Aug 10 – Aug 24
Sweet corn—Apr 24 – May 8—
BasilMar 13 – Mar 27Apr 24 – May 8—
LettuceFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 13 – Apr 24Sep 7 – Sep 21
Spinach—Feb 27 – Mar 20Sep 7 – Sep 21
Peas—Feb 27 – Mar 20Aug 24 – Sep 7
Carrots—Mar 13 – Apr 17Aug 10 – Aug 24
Radishes—Mar 6 – Apr 24Sep 21 – Oct 5
BroccoliJan 30 – Feb 13Mar 13 – Mar 27Aug 10 – Aug 24
KaleFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 6 – Mar 20Aug 24 – Sep 7
Onions—Mar 13 – Mar 27—
Potatoes—Mar 20 – Apr 17—
Garlic——Oct 19 – Nov 23

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Trenton. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Trenton

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Trenton?

The median last spring frost is Apr 10 and the median first fall frost is Nov 2, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Trenton?

Start seeds indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13 and set plants outside Apr 24 – May 8, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Trenton?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 2): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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