Matawan, NJ frost dates
How Matawan compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Matawan falls between April 2 and May 6, a 34-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 9 and November 7.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the New Jersey median of Apr 16.
- Its 189-day growing season is longer than 33% of the 582 New Jersey places with a regular frost season (state median 194 days).
- The last frost is 12 days later than the zone 7b median of Apr 5. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 106 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Middletown, NJ, 11 km away, the last frost here is 8 days later than there and the growing season is 19 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 2 |
| 50% (median) | April 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 9 |
| 50% (median) | October 23 |
| 90% (late) | November 7 |
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 Matawan, NJ
Matawan, NJ frost dates — last frost Apr 17, first frost Oct 23, zone 7b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Matawan, NJ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 20 – Apr 24 | Aug 28 – Sep 25 |
| Kale | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Broccoli | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cabbage | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 7 |
| Okra | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 22 | May 8 – May 22 | — |
| Basil | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 6 – Mar 27 | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 6 – Mar 27 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 24 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 24 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 24 – May 8 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 1 – May 22 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 9 – Nov 13 |
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 Freehold-Marlboro, NJ weather station, 11 km away (elevation 194 ft (59 m)).
Frost dates near Matawan
- Cliffwood Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Keyport Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Hazlet Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Holmdel Apr 17 · Oct 23
- South Amboy Apr 15 · Oct 26
- Wickatunk Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Morganville Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Old Bridge Apr 17 · Oct 23
- Parlin Apr 15 · Oct 26
- Keansburg Apr 17 · Oct 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Matawan, NJ?
The median last spring frost in Matawan, NJ is April 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Matawan, NJ?
The median first fall frost is October 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 9.
How long is the growing season in Matawan, NJ?
About 189 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Matawan, NJ?
Matawan, NJ is in USDA hardiness zone 7b.