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Philadelphia, PA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Philadelphia usually comes around Mar 31 and the first fall frost around Nov 16, a growing season of about 230 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3 and plant them outside Apr 14 – Apr 28.

Last spring frostMar 31
First fall frostNov 16
Growing season230 days

When to plant vegetables in Philadelphia

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 17 – Mar 3Apr 14 – Apr 28—
PeppersFeb 10 – Feb 24Apr 21 – May 5—
EggplantFeb 10 – Feb 24Apr 21 – May 5—
Cucumbers—Apr 14 – Apr 28—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 14 – Apr 28—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Apr 21 – May 5—
Green beans—Apr 14 – Apr 28Aug 24 – Sep 7
Sweet corn—Apr 14 – Apr 28—
BasilMar 3 – Mar 17Apr 14 – Apr 28—
LettuceFeb 3 – Feb 17Mar 3 – Apr 14Sep 21 – Oct 5
Spinach—Feb 17 – Mar 10Sep 21 – Oct 5
Peas—Feb 17 – Mar 10Sep 7 – Sep 21
Carrots—Mar 3 – Apr 7Aug 24 – Sep 7
Radishes—Feb 24 – Apr 14Oct 5 – Oct 19
BroccoliJan 20 – Feb 3Mar 3 – Mar 17Aug 24 – Sep 7
KaleFeb 3 – Feb 17Feb 24 – Mar 10Sep 7 – Sep 21
Onions—Mar 3 – Mar 17—
Potatoes—Mar 10 – Apr 7—
Garlic——Nov 2 – Dec 7

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

Month-by-month planting in Philadelphia

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

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 Philadelphia?

The median last spring frost is Mar 31 and the median first fall frost is Nov 16, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Philadelphia?

Start seeds indoors Feb 17 – Mar 3 and set plants outside Apr 14 – Apr 28, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Philadelphia?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 16): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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