Frost Dates for Fairfield, CT 06824
Last spring frost April 29 · First fall frost October 12 · 166 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 06824 has about 36,700 people, the largest of 2 ZIP codes in Fairfield.
Moderate season: 166 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 16–May 11 (25 days). Fall frost risk spans October 1–October 23 (22 days).
Frost probability for 06824
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 11 | April 29 | April 16 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 1 | October 12 | October 23 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at STAMFORD 5 N (23.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Fairfield, CT
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06824 | April 29 | October 12 | 7a |
| 06825 | April 14 | October 27 | 7a |
Which crops fit a 166-day season in Fairfield
In Fairfield (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 25 | May 13–May 20 | 124 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 124 available after May 13. | Jun 12 |
| Pepper | Mar 18 | May 13–May 20 | 124 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 124 available after May 13. | Jun 17 |
| Lettuce | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 208 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 8. | Aug 10 |
| Cucumber | Apr 8 | May 13–May 20 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Peas | — | Mar 4–May 13 | 229 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 229 available after Mar 4. | Aug 1 |
| Zucchini | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Onion | Feb 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 201 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 1. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 4–Apr 22 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Kale | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 1. | Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 1. | Aug 10 |
| Radish | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 10; both mature before Oct 19. | Sep 10 |
| Beets | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 12 | 271 | overwinter: Plant Oct 12 to Nov 2; harvest the following summer. | Nov 2 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 25–May 20 | 222 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 25; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 6. | Jun 24 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 15 | May 13–May 13 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 13. | May 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 | Apr 22–May 6 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 22. | Jul 22 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 15 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Sep 9; both mature before Nov 2. | Sep 9 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 4 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 1. | Jul 11 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 13. | May 30 |
| Eggplant | Mar 11 | May 13–May 20 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 13. | Jun 22 |
| Okra | Apr 1 | May 6–May 13 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Basil | Mar 25 | May 20–May 20 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 20. | Jul 16 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 1–Apr 22 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Parsley | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after May 6. | Jul 27 |
| Celery | Feb 18 | May 6–May 20 | 166 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 166 available after May 6. | Jun 7 |
| Scallions | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 30; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 30 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 18–Apr 1 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 25 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 1 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 21 |
| Collards | Feb 18 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 20; both mature before Nov 2. | Aug 20 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 13. | Jun 7 |
| Chives | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 6. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 4–May 27 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 4 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 11 |
| Oregano | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 180 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 180 available after May 6. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 4 | May 6–May 13 | 166 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 166 available after May 6. | — |
| Sage | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after May 6. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 18 | May 6–May 13 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 6. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 19. | Aug 16 |
| Cosmos | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
| Lavender | Feb 4 | Apr 29–May 13 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 18 | Apr 29–May 6 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 26; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 26 |
| Melons | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 13. | Jun 7 |
| Mint | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 6 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 6–May 20 | 145 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 145 available after May 6. | Jul 11 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 13. | Jun 9 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 29–May 13 | 152 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 29. | Jul 6 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 4 | May 6–May 13 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 6. | Jun 17 |
| Watermelon | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after May 6. | Jun 12 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 21; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 21 |
| Zinnias | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 16; both mature before Sep 28. | Jul 16 |
Month by month in Fairfield
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 4), Lavender (Feb 4), Onion (Feb 4), Rosemary (Feb 4), Celery (Feb 18), Collards (Feb 18), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 4), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 4), Cabbage (Mar 4), Lettuce (Mar 4), Sage (Mar 4), Swiss Chard (Mar 4), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 4), Beets (Mar 4), Dill (Mar 4), Peas (Mar 4), Radish (Mar 4), Spinach (Mar 4), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 25). |
| April | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Apr 1), Corn (Apr 1), Cosmos (Apr 1), Nasturtiums (Apr 1), Okra (Apr 1), Zinnias (Apr 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 1), Turnip (Apr 1), Carrots (Apr 8), Potatoes (Apr 15), Sunflowers (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 1), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 1), Cabbage (Apr 1), Collards (Apr 1), Kale (Apr 1), Lettuce (Apr 1), +12 more. Last frost around April 29. |
| May | Direct sow from: Beans (May 6), Pole Beans (May 6). Transplant from: Celery (May 6), Chives (May 6), Corn (May 6), Okra (May 6), Oregano (May 6), Parsley (May 6), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 30), Pumpkin (May 30). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 7), Celery (Jun 7), Melons (Jun 7), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 9), Tomato (Jun 12), Watermelon (Jun 12), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Sunflowers (Jul 6), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 11), Pole Beans (Jul 11), Basil (Jul 16), Cosmos (Jul 16), Cucumber (Jul 16), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Peas (Aug 1), Cabbage (Aug 10), Carrots (Aug 10), Beets (Aug 11), Dill (Aug 11), Swiss Chard (Aug 11), +9 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 9), Spinach (Sep 9), Radish (Sep 10). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 12). First frost around October 12. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 2). |
| 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 Fairfield, CT (ZIP 06824)?
The median last spring frost date for Fairfield, CT (ZIP code 06824) is around April 29. 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 16; one in ten it runs past May 11.
What is the first fall frost date in Fairfield, CT?
The median first fall frost date for Fairfield, CT is around October 12. 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 1 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Fairfield, CT?
The frost-free growing season in Fairfield is about 166 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 Fairfield (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Fairfield, CT?
Fairfield, CT is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (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 Fairfield, CT?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 25 and plant out May 13 in Fairfield. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Fairfield?
Two: plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 19.
When do I plant garlic in Fairfield?
Oct 12 to Nov 2; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Bridgeport (ZIP 06606) has 196 frost-free days, 30 more than Fairfield (ZIP 06824). See Bridgeport ZIP 06606 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Westport, CT 06880 (4.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Bridgeport, CT 06606 (4.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Weston, CT 06883 (6 mi)
- Frost dates for Trumbull, CT 06611 (6.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Wilton, CT 06897 (8.5 mi)
- When to plant in CT
- When to plant Peppers in CT
- When to plant Cucumbers in CT
- When to plant Zucchini in CT
- When to plant Butternut Squash in CT
- When to plant Basil in CT
- When to plant Sweet Corn in CT
- Look up another ZIP