Frost Dates for Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Last spring frost May 3 · First fall frost October 9 · 159 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b

Frost probability for 12601

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 14May 3April 20
Fall (first frost)September 24October 9October 24

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (2.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Poughkeepsie, NY

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
12601May 3October 96b
12603May 3October 96b
12604May 3October 96b

Month by month in Poughkeepsie

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost).
MarchStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around May 3). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
AprilStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MayLast frost around May 3. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
JuneFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JulySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
AugustHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 9). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 9. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 159-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Poughkeepsie, NY (ZIP 12601)?

The median last spring frost date for Poughkeepsie, NY (ZIP code 12601) is around May 3. 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.

What is the first fall frost date in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The median first fall frost date for Poughkeepsie, NY is around October 9. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The frost-free growing season in Poughkeepsie is about 159 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.

What USDA hardiness zone is Poughkeepsie, NY?

Based on frost date patterns, Poughkeepsie falls approximately in 6b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Poughkeepsie, NY?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around May 3). For Poughkeepsie, that's roughly March 8 to March 22. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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