When to Plant in Yonkers, NY

Yonkers, New York, is characterized by a growing season that spans from a median last spring frost date of April 1 to a median first fall frost date of November 15. This results in approximately 228 frost-free days each year, providing ample opportunity for a wide range of gardening activities and crop productions, from vibrant flower gardens to bountiful vegetable patches. The transition from cold winters to warm summers allows for diverse planting schedules and crop rotations, enabling gardeners to maximize their yields while being mindful of the seasonal shifts.

The microclimate of Yonkers is classified as humid temperate with four distinct seasons, which significantly influences the types of plants that thrive here. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini flourish due to the warm summers and sufficient rainfall. Additionally, perennial flowers like coneflower and daylilies are well-suited for this environment. However, crops like basil and sweet corn may struggle during cooler early spring or late fall temperatures, as they are particularly sensitive to frost and can be inhibited by the transition periods before and after the defined frost dates.

What to plant now in Yonkers

Spring: As the frost-free period begins after April 1, plant growth-friendly tomatoes and peppers outdoors by mid-April to ensure healthy summer harvests.
Summer: Use warmer temperatures to your advantage and plant heat-loving crops like cucumbers and beans. Late July is ideal for succession planting.
Fall: Autumn is perfect for planting cool-weather crops such as kale and spinach. Plant by mid-September to secure a harvest before November 15.
Winter: While many plants are dormant, consider starting seedlings indoors for early spring cropping, such as broccoli or cauliflower, ideally in late February.

In Yonkers (228 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Yonkers

Month	What to do
January	Gardening activities are minimal this month due to winter’s chill. Focus on planning your garden layout and seed selection for the upcoming planting season.
February	Start planning your spring garden and consider starting seeds indoors for cool-season crops. Prepare pots and soil for seedlings like broccoli and cauliflower.
March	As temperatures begin to rise, prepare your garden bed and soil. Consider pre-sprouting peas and onion sets to plant immediately after April 1.
April	With the median last frost date on April 1, plant hardy vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and carrots. Be cautious of late frosts as temperatures can still fluctuate.
May	May is fertile for planting all cold-sensitive crops such as tomatoes and peppers after ensuring there’s no danger of late frosts. Fertilize soil for optimal growth.
June	Continue maintaining summer crops and be vigilant about pest control. This is a busy month for watering and weeding as everything begins to flourish.
July	In full summer, it's ideal for planting heat-loving crops like cucumbers and beans. Keep an eye on moisture levels as temperatures peak.
August	Harvest summer crops and start planning for fall planting. Consider starting transplants for fall veggies like kale and spinach during mid to late August.
September	Begin filling out your fall garden with cool-weather crops. Plant kale, spinach, and radishes early in the month to ensure growth before frost.
October	As temperatures dip, focus on harvesting remaining summer crops and prepare beds for winter. Mulch perennials and plant bulbs for spring blooms.
November	With the median first frost date of November 15, finish harvesting fall crops. Protect sensitive plants and clean up garden debris to prepare for winter.
December	December is a time for rest. Assess your gardening successes and failures from the past year to inform your planting strategy for the upcoming spring.

Frost dates for Yonkers ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
10701	April 1	November 15	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Yonkers?

The last frost in Yonkers typically occurs around April 1, providing a clear marker for when to start planting cold-sensitive crops and tender plants.

What vegetables grow best in Yonkers?

In Yonkers, vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini thrive due to the warm, humid temperate climate, providing ideal conditions for these heat-loving plants.

When should I plant tomatoes in Yonkers?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last expected frost date, which is April 1 in Yonkers, making mid to late April the ideal time for planting.

Can I garden year-round in Yonkers?

While gardening year-round poses challenges due to winter frost, you can extend the growing season with careful planning of crops that thrive in cooler weather.

How does Plan My Garden help Yonkers gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides specific planting calendars, frost dates, and personalized advice to help Yonkers gardeners maximize their planting success throughout the growing seasons.