Frost Dates for Rochester, NH 03839
Rochester has 3 ZIP codes. The Rochester, NH frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 13 · First fall frost September 24 · 134 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a
ZIP 03839 has about 4,280 people, one of 3 ZIP codes in Rochester.
Moderate season: 134 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 30–May 27 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans September 11–October 8 (27 days).
Frost probability for 03839
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 27 | May 13 | April 30 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 11 | September 24 | October 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at DURHAM (13.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 134-day season in Rochester
In Rochester (134 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 8 | May 27–Jun 3 | 92 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 92 available after May 27. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 1 | May 27–Jun 3 | 92 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 92 available after May 27. | May 30 |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 3 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 176 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 176 available after Apr 22. | Jul 23 |
| Cucumber | Apr 22 | May 27–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 106 available after May 27. | Jun 28 |
| Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 20. | Jul 5 |
| Peas | — | Mar 18–May 27 | 197 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 197 available after Mar 18. | Jul 14 |
| Zucchini | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 106 available after May 27. | Jul 3 |
| Onion | Feb 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 169 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 18–May 6 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 22 |
| Kale | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 169 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 15. | Jun 29 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 15. | Jul 23 |
| Radish | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 29–May 6 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after Apr 29. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 24 | 239 | overwinter: Plant Sep 24 to Oct 15; harvest the following summer. | Oct 15 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 8–Jun 3 | 190 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 8; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 106 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 106 available after May 20. | Jun 6 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 29 | May 27–May 27 | 99 | head-start: Even planted out May 27, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 1 | May 6–May 20 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after May 6. | Jul 4 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 18 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 22 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 18 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 15. | Jun 23 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 99 | head-start: Even planted out May 27, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 25 | May 27–Jun 3 | 92 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 92 available after May 27. | Jun 4 |
| Okra | Apr 15 | May 20–May 27 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after May 20. | Jul 3 |
| Basil | Apr 8 | Jun 3–Jun 3 | 99 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 3. | Jun 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 15–May 6 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 29 |
| Parsley | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 134 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 134 available after May 20. | Jul 9 |
| Celery | Mar 4 | May 20–Jun 3 | 134 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 134 available after May 20. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 15 | May 6–May 13 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant May 6 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 3 |
| Collards | Mar 4 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 92 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 92 available after May 27. | — |
| Chives | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 148 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 148 available after May 20. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 18–Jun 10 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 18 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Oregano | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 148 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 148 available after May 20. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 18 | May 20–May 27 | 134 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 134 available after May 20. | — |
| Sage | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after May 20. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 4 | May 20–May 27 | 148 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 148 available after May 20. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 1 | Apr 29–May 13 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 29 |
| Cosmos | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 28 |
| Lavender | Feb 18 | May 13–May 27 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 13. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 1 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | two-plantings: Plant May 13 and again by Jul 8; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 8 |
| Melons | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 92 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 92 available after May 27. | — |
| Mint | — | May 13–May 27 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 13. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 15 | May 13–May 20 | 120 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jul 3 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 20–Jun 3 | 113 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 113 available after May 20. | Jun 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 99 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 99 available after May 27. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 13–May 27 | 120 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 18 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 18 | May 20–May 27 | 99 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 99 available after May 20. | May 30 |
| Watermelon | Apr 29 | May 20–May 27 | 99 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 99 available after May 20. | May 25 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 29 | May 27–Jun 3 | 106 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 106 available after May 27. | Jul 3 |
| Zinnias | Apr 15 | May 13–May 27 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 13. | Jun 28 |
Month by month in Rochester
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 18), Lavender (Feb 18), Onion (Feb 18), Rosemary (Feb 18). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 4), Collards (Mar 4), Kale (Mar 4), Oregano (Mar 4), Parsley (Mar 4), Scallions (Mar 4), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 18), Beets (Mar 18), Dill (Mar 18), Peas (Mar 18), Radish (Mar 18), Spinach (Mar 18). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 1), Cauliflower (Apr 1), Marigolds (Apr 1), Pepper (Apr 1), Basil (Apr 8), Tomato (Apr 8), +15 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 1), Cilantro (Apr 15), Turnip (Apr 15), Carrots (Apr 22), Potatoes (Apr 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 15), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 15), Cabbage (Apr 15), Collards (Apr 15), Kale (Apr 15), Lettuce (Apr 15), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 8). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 13), Beans (May 20), Pole Beans (May 20). Transplant from: Bok Choy (May 6), Cauliflower (May 6), Cosmos (May 13), Lavender (May 13), Marigolds (May 13), Mint (May 13), +24 more. Last frost around May 13. Last sowing dates: Watermelon (May 25), Pepper (May 30), Tomatillos (May 30). |
| June | Transplant from: Basil (Jun 3). Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jun 4), Corn (Jun 6), Sunflowers (Jun 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 23), Pole Beans (Jun 23), Basil (Jun 28), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Jul 3), Okra (Jul 3), Yellow Squash (Jul 3), Zucchini (Jul 3), Cauliflower (Jul 4), Beans (Jul 5), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Collards (Aug 2), Scallions (Aug 2), Bok Choy (Aug 3), Lettuce (Aug 3), Kale (Aug 7), Kohlrabi (Aug 7), +4 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 24). First frost around September 24. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 15). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| 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 Rochester, NH (ZIP 03839)?
The median last spring frost date for Rochester, NH (ZIP code 03839) is around May 13. 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 30; one in ten it runs past May 27.
What is the first fall frost date in Rochester, NH?
The median first fall frost date for Rochester, NH is around September 24. 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 September 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Rochester, NH?
The frost-free growing season in Rochester is about 134 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 Rochester (134 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Rochester, NH?
Rochester, NH is in USDA hardiness zone 6a (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 Rochester, NH?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 8 and plant out May 27 in Rochester. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Rochester?
Two: plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1.
When do I plant garlic in Rochester?
Sep 24 to Oct 15; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Rochester?
Yes, with help. Even planted out May 27, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Rochester, NH 03867 (2.8 mi)
- Frost dates for Somersworth, NH 03878 (4.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Dover, NH 03820 (7.1 mi)
- Frost dates for Durham, NH 03824 (10.5 mi)
- Frost dates for North Berwick, ME 03906 (11.8 mi)
- When to plant in NH
- When to plant Peppers in NH
- When to plant Cucumbers in NH
- When to plant Zucchini in NH
- When to plant Butternut Squash in NH
- When to plant Basil in NH
- When to plant Sweet Corn in NH
- Look up another ZIP