Frost Dates for Elkins Park, PA 19027
Last spring frost April 17 · First fall frost October 25 · 191 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 19027 has about 20,400 people.
Long season: 191 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 7–April 26 (19 days). Fall frost risk spans October 6–November 13 (38 days).
Frost probability for 19027
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 26 | April 17 | April 7 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 6 | October 25 | November 13 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at NORRISTOWN (18.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 191-day season in Elkins Park
In Elkins Park (191 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 13 | May 1–May 8 | 149 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 149 available after May 1. | Jun 25 |
| Pepper | Mar 6 | May 1–May 8 | 149 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 149 available after May 1. | Jun 30 |
| Lettuce | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 1. | Sep 3 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 233 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 233 available after Mar 27. | Aug 23 |
| Cucumber | Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 5 |
| Peas | — | Feb 20–May 1 | 254 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 254 available after Feb 20. | Aug 14 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Onion | Jan 23 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 226 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 20. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 20–Apr 10 | 268 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 22 |
| Kale | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Broccoli | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 226 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 226 available after Mar 20. | Jul 30 |
| Cabbage | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 20. | Aug 23 |
| Radish | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 23; both mature before Nov 1. | Sep 23 |
| Beets | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 25 | 296 | overwinter: Plant Oct 25 to Nov 15; harvest the following summer. | Nov 15 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 13–May 8 | 247 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 13; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 163 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 24. | Jul 7 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 1–May 1 | 156 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 156 available after May 1. | Jun 12 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 6 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 205 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 10. | Aug 4 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 3 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 24 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 268 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 22 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 240 available after Mar 20. | Jul 24 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 156 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 156 available after May 1. | Jun 12 |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | 149 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 149 available after May 1. | Jul 5 |
| Okra | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Basil | Mar 13 | May 8–May 8 | 156 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 20–Apr 10 | 226 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 29 |
| Parsley | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 191 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 24. | Aug 9 |
| Celery | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 8 | 191 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 24. | Jun 20 |
| Scallions | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 12; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 12 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 7 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 20 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 205 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 1. | Sep 3 |
| Collards | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 240 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 15. | Sep 2 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 149 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 149 available after May 1. | Jun 20 |
| Chives | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 205 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 254 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 24 |
| Oregano | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 205 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 191 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 191 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Sage | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 205 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 205 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 205 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 212 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Nov 1. | Aug 29 |
| Cosmos | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
| Lavender | Jan 23 | Apr 17–May 1 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 8 |
| Melons | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 149 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 149 available after May 1. | Jun 20 |
| Mint | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 212 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 212 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 170 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 170 available after Apr 24. | Jul 24 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 156 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 156 available after May 1. | Jun 22 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 177 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 17. | Jul 19 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 156 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 24. | Jun 30 |
| Watermelon | Apr 3 | Apr 24–May 1 | 156 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 156 available after Apr 24. | Jun 25 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 11. | Aug 3 |
| Zinnias | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 11. | Jul 29 |
Month by month in Elkins Park
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 23), Lavender (Jan 23), Onion (Jan 23), Rosemary (Jan 23). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 6), Collards (Feb 6), Kale (Feb 6), Oregano (Feb 6), Parsley (Feb 6), Scallions (Feb 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 20), Beets (Feb 20), Dill (Feb 20), Peas (Feb 20), Radish (Feb 20), Spinach (Feb 20). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 6), Cauliflower (Mar 6), Marigolds (Mar 6), Pepper (Mar 6), Basil (Mar 13), Tomato (Mar 13), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 6), Cilantro (Mar 20), Turnip (Mar 20), Carrots (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 20), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 20), Cabbage (Mar 20), Collards (Mar 20), Kale (Mar 20), Lettuce (Mar 20), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 13). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 3), Cantaloupe (Apr 3), Melons (Apr 3), Pumpkin (Apr 3), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 3), Watermelon (Apr 3), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 3), Sunflowers (Apr 17), Beans (Apr 24), Pole Beans (Apr 24). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Apr 3), Bok Choy (Apr 10), Cauliflower (Apr 10), Cosmos (Apr 17), Lavender (Apr 17), +15 more. Last frost around April 17. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 1), Cantaloupe (May 1), Cucumber (May 1), Eggplant (May 1), Melons (May 1), Pepper (May 1), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 12), Pumpkin (Jun 12), Cantaloupe (Jun 20), Celery (Jun 20), Melons (Jun 20), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 22), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 5), Corn (Jul 7), Sunflowers (Jul 19), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 24), Pole Beans (Jul 24), Basil (Jul 29), +4 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 3), Okra (Aug 3), Yellow Squash (Aug 3), Zucchini (Aug 3), Cauliflower (Aug 4), Beans (Aug 5), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 2), Scallions (Sep 2), Bok Choy (Sep 3), Lettuce (Sep 3), Kale (Sep 7), Kohlrabi (Sep 7), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 25). First frost around October 25. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 15). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Elkins Park, PA (ZIP 19027)?
The median last spring frost date for Elkins Park, PA (ZIP code 19027) is around April 17. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 7; one in ten it runs past April 26.
What is the first fall frost date in Elkins Park, PA?
The median first fall frost date for Elkins Park, PA is around October 25. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 6 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Elkins Park, PA?
The frost-free growing season in Elkins Park is about 191 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Elkins Park (191 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Elkins Park, PA?
Elkins Park, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 7b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Elkins Park, PA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 13 and plant out May 1 in Elkins Park. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Elkins Park?
Two: plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Nov 1.
When do I plant garlic in Elkins Park?
Oct 25 to Nov 15; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Elkins Park?
Yes: plant out May 1 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 25 for a fall crop.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Jenkintown, PA 19046 (2.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Philadelphia, PA 19141 (2.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Glenside, PA 19038 (3.2 mi)
- Frost dates for Abington, PA 19001 (3.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Philadelphia, PA 19119 (3.8 mi)
- When to plant in PA
- When to plant Peppers in PA
- When to plant Cucumbers in PA
- When to plant Zucchini in PA
- When to plant Butternut Squash in PA
- When to plant Basil in PA
- When to plant Sweet Corn in PA
- Look up another ZIP