Nelson, NH frost dates
Last spring frostMay 14median date
First fall frostOct 1median date
Growing season140 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Nelson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Nelson falls between April 30 and May 28, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 18 and October 14.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the New Hampshire median of May 7.
- Its 140-day growing season is longer than 26% of the 252 New Hampshire places with a regular frost season (state median 150 days).
- The last frost is 15 days later than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 174 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Manchester, NH, 55 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there and the growing season is 24 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 14 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 18 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 14 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Nelson, NH
Nelson, NH frost dates — last frost May 14, first frost Oct 1, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 19 to Mar 5Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 5 to Mar 19Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Sep 3
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 16 to Apr 30Sow outdoors: Apr 16 to Apr 30Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 13
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 23 to May 7Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Mar 19 to Apr 2Transplant outside: Apr 30 to May 14Plant for fall: Jun 25 to Jul 16
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: Jun 4 to Jun 18Sow outdoors: Jun 4 to Jun 18
Start indoors: Apr 2 to Apr 16Transplant outside: May 21 to Jun 4
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 2 to Apr 23Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: Apr 9 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 20 to Sep 10
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 4Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Start indoors: Apr 16 to Apr 23Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 9 to Jul 23
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 21Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 23 to May 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 28Plant for fall: Jul 23 to Aug 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 30 to May 21Plant for fall: Aug 6 to Aug 27
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 11Plant for fall: Jul 16 to Jul 30
Sow outdoors: May 21 to Jun 4
Transplant outside: May 28 to Jun 18
Plant for fall: Sep 17 to Oct 22
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Nelson, NH
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 16 – May 21 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 | — |
| Basil | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 28 – Jun 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Keene, NH weather station, 17 km away (elevation 512 ft (156 m)).
Frost dates near Nelson
- Sullivan May 14 · Oct 1
- Harrisville May 5 · Oct 6
- Stoddard May 15 · Sep 27
- Marlborough May 14 · Oct 1
- Hancock May 5 · Oct 6
- Dublin May 5 · Oct 6
- Gilsum May 14 · Oct 1
- Keene May 14 · Oct 1
- Marlow May 8 · Oct 3
- Antrim May 9 · Oct 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Nelson, NH?
The median last spring frost in Nelson, NH is May 14. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Nelson, NH?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 18.
How long is the growing season in Nelson, NH?
About 140 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Nelson, NH?
Nelson, NH is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.