Phelps, NY frost dates
How Phelps compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Phelps falls between April 17 and May 12, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 4 and November 4.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the New York median of May 3.
- Its 174-day growing season is longer than 71% of the 1,610 New York places with a regular frost season (state median 163 days).
- The last frost is 8 days later than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 136 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Rochester, NY, 55 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there and the growing season is 10 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 17 |
| 50% (median) | April 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 4 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 4 |
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 Phelps, NY
Phelps, NY frost dates — last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 21, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Phelps, NY
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 2 – May 7 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Basil | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
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 Geneva Rsch Farm, NY weather station, 9 km away (elevation 719 ft (219 m)).
Frost dates near Phelps
- Oaks Corners Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Clifton Springs Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Seneca Castle Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Newark Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Geneva Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Port Gibson Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Lyons May 6 · Oct 10
- Waterloo Apr 30 · Oct 21
- Manchester Apr 29 · Oct 22
- Stanley Apr 30 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Phelps, NY?
The median last spring frost in Phelps, NY is April 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Phelps, NY?
The median first fall frost is October 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 4.
How long is the growing season in Phelps, NY?
About 174 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Phelps, NY?
Phelps, NY is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.