When to Plant in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia enjoys one of Pennsylvania's longest growing seasons — Zone 7a with a typical last frost around April 11. The Delaware Valley's location moderates winter temperatures compared to central or western PA, giving Philly gardeners a head start.

The city and suburbs support diverse gardening approaches from rooftop and community gardens in the urban core to spacious suburban lots. The Philly-area growing season from late March through October is excellent for a wide range of crops.

What to plant now in Philadelphia

Spring: Cool-season crops in March; tomatoes and peppers after April 11 last frost.
Summer: Full warm-season garden. Heat and humidity can be challenging.
Fall: Excellent — broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and carrots.
Winter: Garlic overwintering, cold frame greens, and seed starting in late February.

In Philadelphia (200 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 Philadelphia

Month	What to do
January	Order seeds. Start onion seeds indoors. Plan beds.
February	Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors under lights.
March	Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce outdoors. Transplant cold-hardy seedlings.
April	After April 8 — transplant tomatoes and peppers. Plant beans and squash.
May	Full spring garden. Plant cucumbers and corn.
June	Summer garden. Water and watch for pests.
July	Harvest summer crops. Start fall seedlings.
August	Plant fall broccoli, kale, and cauliflower transplants.
September	Fall planting: lettuce, spinach, radishes.
October	Continue fall planting. Plant garlic.
November	Harvest fall crops. Protect with row cover.
December	Harvest cold-hardy greens.

Frost dates for Philadelphia ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
19124	April 22	October 20	7b
19141	April 17	October 25	7b
19119	April 17	October 25	7b
19103	April 11	October 28	7b
19118	April 17	October 25	7b

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia's average last frost date is around April 11 — earlier than central Pennsylvania due to the Delaware Valley's urban heat island and coastal influence.

What grows best in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's climate supports excellent tomatoes, peppers, and squash in summer. Fall is superb for broccoli, kale, lettuce, and carrots. Cool-season crops thrive in March–May and August–October.

When should I plant tomatoes in Philadelphia?

Start seeds indoors late February. Transplant outdoors after April 8th. Philadelphia's longer season versus central PA gives you more time for full-season varieties.

How does Plan My Garden help Philadelphia gardeners?

Enter your Philly zip code for exact planting dates calibrated to the Delaware Valley's growing calendar.