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New Hampshire · Local Gardening
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in New Hampshire — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
New Hampshire spans USDA zones 3b (North Country / Pittsburg) to 6a (southern NH / Nashua/Manchester area). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
3b (North Country / Pittsburg) to 6a (southern NH / Nashua/Manchester area)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
All NH soils need lime and compost — pH 4.0-5.0 is common. Raised beds significantly improve productivity in rocky soils. North Country gardens have a 90-120 day season; choose varieties accordingly. UNH Extension soil testing available for $15.
Know your soil
New Hampshire soils are thin, acidic, and very rocky — classic New England granite-based glacial till. The Connecticut and Merrimack river valleys have somewhat better alluvial soils. Most NH soils require significant lime, compost, and patient amendment before they become productive. The growing season in the North Country is extremely short.
Map your soil type with USDA Web Soil Survey →Free soil testing
Free or low-cost soil testing available through your county Extension office
Results include specific lime and fertilizer recommendations
Most states offer testing April through fall — fees apply in winter
Results typically returned within 10 business days
Next steps
Preserve what you grow
New Hampshire Extension offers food preservation workshops — and NWS has the full canning guides.
Food IndependenceGet the checklist
Spring prep, frost protection, soil test timing, and compost setup — timed to regional frost dates.
NH Checklists