Season, sun & temps
How long is my growing season?
Frost-free days between your last spring frost and your first autumn one, and what that length will and will not ripen.
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How this works
Days between your average last spring frost and first fall frost. 120+ days runs melons and winter squash; 90 covers most of the garden; under 90 favors greens, roots and bush beans. Type a ZIP and both dates fill in from the NOAA 1991-2020 normals, or set them yourself if you know your own.
Questions people ask
How many frost-free days do I need for watermelon?
Ninety at a minimum, and warm ones. A 90-day season on paper that runs cool still leaves you with a green melon.
Can I extend my season?
Yes, and cheaply. Row cover buys two to four weeks at each end and a low tunnel buys more. That is often the difference between ripening a crop and not.
Is a long season always better?
Not for everything. Peas, spinach and most brassicas bolt in heat, so a long hot season means growing them at the ends of it rather than through it.