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What can I grow here, and when?
Frost dates, planting zones, soil types, and what actually thrives in Pennsylvania — from mountains to coast.
Frost dates & zones
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5a (northern PA mountains / Potter County) to 7a (Philadelphia / Delaware Valley). Verify your exact zone and frost dates with your county Extension office — elevation and microclimates create real variation.
Hardiness Zones
5a (northern PA mountains / Potter County) to 7a (Philadelphia / Delaware Valley)
Last frost: varies by region. First frost: varies by region.
Look up your exact zone by ZIP at USDA →What grows well here
Lancaster County limestone soils need minimal amendment. Appalachian ridge soils are very acidic — test before adding lime. Urban/suburban soils in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia may need heavy metal testing. Penn State Extension soil testing available through county offices.
Know your soil
Pennsylvania soils vary dramatically. The Great Valley and Lancaster County have some of the best limestone-based soils on the East Coast — naturally fertile, well-draining, and pH-neutral. The Appalachian ridges have thin, acidic, rocky soils. Southeastern PA has clay-heavy soils. Pittsburgh's Mon Valley has historically contaminated urban soils.
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
Pennsylvania 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.
PA Checklists