Effort, PA frost dates
How Effort compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Effort falls between April 21 and May 23, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 27 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 9 days later than the Pennsylvania median of Apr 27.
- Its 155-day growing season is longer than 14% of the 1,787 Pennsylvania places with a regular frost season (state median 175 days).
- The last frost is 14 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 147 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bethlehem, PA, 36 km away, the last frost here is 16 days later than there and the growing season is 32 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 21 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 27 |
| 50% (median) | October 8 |
| 90% (late) | October 25 |
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 Effort, PA
Effort, PA frost dates — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 8, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Effort, PA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 13 – Sep 10 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 16 – Aug 6 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 27 – Sep 17 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 13 – Sep 3 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 24 – Oct 29 |
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 Mt Pocono Mountains Ap, PA weather station, 20 km away (elevation 1,916 ft (584 m)).
Frost dates near Effort
- Brodheadsville May 1 · Oct 12
- Gilbert May 1 · Oct 12
- Kunkletown Apr 21 · Oct 23
- Kresgeville Apr 21 · Oct 23
- Saylorsburg May 1 · Oct 12
- Albrightsville Apr 21 · Oct 23
- Long Pond May 6 · Oct 8
- Reeders May 1 · Oct 12
- Blakeslee May 6 · Oct 8
- Sciota May 1 · Oct 12
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Effort, PA?
The median last spring frost in Effort, PA is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 23, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Effort, PA?
The median first fall frost is October 8, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 27.
How long is the growing season in Effort, PA?
About 155 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Effort, PA?
Effort, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.