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What can I grow here, and when?
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in New York — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
New York spans USDA zones 3b (Adirondack highlands) to 7b (NYC / Long Island / Hudson Valley lowlands). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
3b (Adirondack highlands) to 7b (NYC / Long Island / Hudson Valley lowlands)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes soils are naturally productive but may need lime in some areas. Long Island sand needs compost and regular fertilizer. Adirondack soils need aggressive lime and compost. Cornell Extension soil testing available through county offices.
Know your soil
New York soils vary enormously. The Hudson Valley has some of the best agricultural soil in the Northeast — deep, well-draining loam. Long Island has sandy, acidic soils ideal for potatoes and berries. The Finger Lakes region has productive loam. The Adirondacks have thin, rocky, very acidic soils over granite. NYC's urban soils are heavily disturbed and often contaminated.
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 York 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.
NY Checklists