Johnstown, NY frost dates
How Johnstown compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Johnstown falls between April 30 and May 25, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 20 and October 15.
- The median last frost is 8 days later than the New York median of May 3.
- Its 145-day growing season is longer than 16% of the 1,610 New York places with a regular frost season (state median 163 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 179 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Schenectady, NY, 41 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there and the growing season is 26 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 20 |
| 50% (median) | October 3 |
| 90% (late) | October 15 |
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 Johnstown, NY
Johnstown, NY frost dates — last frost May 11, first frost Oct 3, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Johnstown, NY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Apr 13 – May 18 | Aug 8 – Sep 5 |
| Kale | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Broccoli | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Cabbage | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Okra | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — |
| Basil | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 6 – May 18 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 1 | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 27 – May 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 25 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 19 – Oct 24 |
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 Gloversville 7nw (Peck Lake), NY weather station, 13 km away (elevation 1,457 ft (444 m)).
Frost dates near Johnstown
- Fonda May 11 · Oct 3
- Gloversville May 11 · Oct 3
- Tribes Hill May 11 · Oct 3
- Auriesville May 7 · Oct 7
- Fort Hunter May 7 · Oct 7
- Fort Johnson May 11 · Oct 3
- Fultonville May 7 · Oct 7
- Amsterdam May 7 · Oct 7
- Hagaman May 7 · Oct 7
- Broadalbin May 11 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Johnstown, NY?
The median last spring frost in Johnstown, NY is May 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Johnstown, NY?
The median first fall frost is October 3, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 20.
How long is the growing season in Johnstown, NY?
About 145 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Johnstown, NY?
Johnstown, NY is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.