Bowers, PA frost dates
How Bowers compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Bowers falls between April 10 and May 13, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and October 31.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 171-day growing season is longer than 38% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is 10 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 131 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Reading, PA, 23 km away, the last frost here is 12 days later than there and the growing season is 27 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 10 |
| 50% (median) | April 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 14 |
| 90% (late) | October 31 |
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 Bowers, PA
Bowers, PA frost dates — last frost Apr 26, first frost Oct 14, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Bowers, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Mar 29 – May 3 | Aug 19 – Sep 16 |
| Kale | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Okra | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 | May 17 – May 31 | — |
| Basil | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 5 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 22 – May 3 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 17 | May 3 – May 17 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 3 – May 24 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 10 – May 31 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 30 – Nov 4 |
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 Rodale Rsch Ctr, PA weather station, 8 km away (elevation 551 ft (168 m)).
Frost dates near Bowers
- Topton Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Lyon Station Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Mertztown Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Kutztown Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Fleetwood Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Maxatawny Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Breinigsville Apr 26 · Oct 14
- Oley Apr 10 · Oct 31
- Virginville Apr 16 · Oct 25
- Alburtis Apr 26 · Oct 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bowers, PA?
The median last spring frost in Bowers, PA is April 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bowers, PA?
The median first fall frost is October 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Bowers, PA?
About 171 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bowers, PA?
Bowers, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.