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Erie, PA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Erie usually comes around Apr 27 and the first fall frost around Nov 9, a growing season of about 196 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 16 – Mar 30 and plant them outside May 11 – May 25.

Last spring frostApr 27
First fall frostNov 9
Growing season196 days

When to plant vegetables in Erie

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 16 – Mar 30May 11 – May 25—
PeppersMar 9 – Mar 23May 18 – Jun 1—
EggplantMar 9 – Mar 23May 18 – Jun 1—
Cucumbers—May 11 – May 25—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 11 – May 25—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 18 – Jun 1—
Green beans—May 11 – May 25Aug 17 – Aug 31
Sweet corn—May 11 – May 25—
BasilMar 30 – Apr 13May 11 – May 25—
LettuceMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 30 – May 11Sep 14 – Sep 28
Spinach—Mar 16 – Apr 6Sep 14 – Sep 28
Peas—Mar 16 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
Carrots—Mar 30 – May 4Aug 17 – Aug 31
Radishes—Mar 23 – May 11Sep 28 – Oct 12
BroccoliFeb 16 – Mar 2Mar 30 – Apr 13Aug 17 – Aug 31
KaleMar 2 – Mar 16Mar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
Onions—Mar 30 – Apr 13—
Potatoes—Apr 6 – May 4—
Garlic——Oct 26 – Nov 30

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

Month-by-month planting in Erie

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  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.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Erie?

The median last spring frost is Apr 27 and the median first fall frost is Nov 9, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Erie?

Start seeds indoors Mar 16 – Mar 30 and set plants outside May 11 – May 25, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Erie?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 9): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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