Frost Dates for Scranton, PA 18512
Scranton has 8 ZIP codes. The Scranton, PA frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost May 19 · First fall frost September 24 · 128 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 18512 has about 13,000 people, one of 8 ZIP codes in Scranton.
Moderate season: 128 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 3–June 3 (31 days). Fall frost risk spans September 13–October 6 (23 days).
Frost probability for 18512
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 3 | May 19 | May 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 13 | September 24 | October 6 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PLEASANT MT 1 W (36.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 128-day season in Scranton
In Scranton (128 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 14 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 86 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 2. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 7 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 86 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 2. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 24 | Apr 21–Apr 28 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 3 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 28–May 5 | 170 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 170 available after Apr 28. | Jul 23 |
| Cucumber | Apr 28 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 100 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 2. | Jun 28 |
| Beans | — | May 26–Jun 9 | 114 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 114 available after May 26. | Jul 5 |
| Peas | — | Mar 24–Jun 2 | 191 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 191 available after Mar 24. | Jul 14 |
| Zucchini | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 100 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 2. | Jul 3 |
| Onion | Feb 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 163 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 21. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 24–May 12 | 205 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 22 |
| Kale | Mar 10 | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Broccoli | Mar 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 163 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 163 available after Apr 21. | Jun 29 |
| Cabbage | Mar 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 21. | Jul 23 |
| Radish | — | Mar 24–Jun 16 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 23 |
| Beets | — | Mar 24–Jun 16 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | May 5–May 12 | 149 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 149 available after May 5. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 24 | 233 | overwinter: Plant Sep 24 to Oct 15; harvest the following summer. | Oct 15 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 14–Jun 9 | 184 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 14; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 21 | May 26–Jun 2 | 100 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 100 available after May 26. | Jun 6 |
| Pumpkin | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 2 | 93 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 2, the outdoor season is about 7 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 7 | May 12–May 26 | 142 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 142 available after May 12. | Jul 4 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 24 | May 5–May 5 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 24–Jun 16 | 205 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Aug 22; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 22 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 24 | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 177 available after Apr 21. | Jun 23 |
| Butternut Squash | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 93 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 2, the outdoor season is about 7 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 31 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 86 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 2. | Jun 4 |
| Okra | Apr 21 | May 26–Jun 2 | 107 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 107 available after May 26. | Jul 3 |
| Basil | Apr 14 | Jun 9–Jun 9 | 93 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 9. | Jun 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 21–May 12 | 163 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 29 |
| Parsley | Mar 10 | May 26–Jun 2 | 128 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 128 available after May 26. | Jul 9 |
| Celery | Mar 10 | May 26–Jun 9 | 128 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 128 available after May 26. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 10 | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 12 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 7–Apr 21 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 7 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 7 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 21 | May 12–May 19 | 142 | two-plantings: Plant May 12 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1. | Aug 3 |
| Collards | Mar 10 | Apr 21–May 5 | 177 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 15. | Aug 2 |
| Cantaloupe | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 86 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 2. | — |
| Chives | Feb 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 26. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 24–Jun 16 | 191 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 24 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 24 |
| Oregano | Mar 10 | May 26–Jun 2 | 142 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 142 available after May 26. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 128 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 128 available after May 26. | — |
| Sage | Mar 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 142 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 142 available after May 26. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 10 | May 26–Jun 2 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 26. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 7 | May 5–May 19 | 149 | two-plantings: Plant May 5 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 1. | Jul 29 |
| Cosmos | Apr 21 | May 19–Jun 2 | 114 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 114 available after May 19. | Jun 28 |
| Lavender | Feb 24 | May 19–Jun 2 | 149 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 149 available after May 19. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 7 | May 19–May 26 | 114 | two-plantings: Plant May 19 and again by Jul 8; both mature before Sep 10. | Jul 8 |
| Melons | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 86 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 2. | — |
| Mint | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 149 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 149 available after May 19. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 21 | May 19–May 26 | 114 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 114 available after May 19. | Jul 3 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 26–Jun 9 | 107 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 107 available after May 26. | Jun 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 93 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 2. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 19–Jun 2 | 114 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 114 available after May 19. | Jun 18 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 24 | May 26–Jun 2 | 93 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 93 available after May 26. | May 30 |
| Watermelon | May 5 | May 26–Jun 2 | 93 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 93 available after May 26. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 5 | Jun 2–Jun 9 | 100 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 2. | Jul 3 |
| Zinnias | Apr 21 | May 19–Jun 2 | 114 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 114 available after May 19. | Jun 28 |
Month by month in Scranton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 24), Lavender (Feb 24), Onion (Feb 24), Rosemary (Feb 24). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 10), Collards (Mar 10), Kale (Mar 10), Oregano (Mar 10), Parsley (Mar 10), Scallions (Mar 10), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 24), Beets (Mar 24), Dill (Mar 24), Peas (Mar 24), Radish (Mar 24), Spinach (Mar 24). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 7), Cauliflower (Apr 7), Marigolds (Apr 7), Pepper (Apr 7), Basil (Apr 14), Tomato (Apr 14), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 7), Cilantro (Apr 21), Turnip (Apr 21), Carrots (Apr 28). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 21), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 21), Cabbage (Apr 21), Collards (Apr 21), Kale (Apr 21), Lettuce (Apr 21), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 14). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 5), Cantaloupe (May 5), Melons (May 5), Pumpkin (May 5), Spaghetti Squash (May 5), Watermelon (May 5), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 5), Sunflowers (May 19), Beans (May 26), Pole Beans (May 26). Transplant from: Calendula (May 5), Swiss Chard (May 5), Bok Choy (May 12), Cauliflower (May 12), Cosmos (May 19), Lavender (May 19), +15 more. Last frost around May 19. Last sowing dates: Tomatillos (May 30). |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 2), Cantaloupe (Jun 2), Cucumber (Jun 2), Eggplant (Jun 2), Melons (Jun 2), Pepper (Jun 2), +6 more. 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 Scranton, PA (ZIP 18512)?
The median last spring frost date for Scranton, PA (ZIP code 18512) is around May 19. 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 May 3; one in ten it runs past June 3.
What is the first fall frost date in Scranton, PA?
The median first fall frost date for Scranton, PA 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 13 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Scranton, PA?
The frost-free growing season in Scranton is about 128 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 Scranton (128 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 Scranton, PA?
Scranton, PA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Scranton, PA?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 14 and plant out Jun 2 in Scranton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Scranton?
Two: plant Apr 21 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 1.
When do I plant garlic in Scranton?
Sep 24 to Oct 15; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Scranton?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 2, the outdoor season is about 7 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
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