When to plant in Medford, NY
USDA Zone 7aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Medford, New York — all computed from Medford's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 7a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Medford, while your frost dates still decide when annuals go out.
Frost probability
SHIRLEY BROOKHAVEN AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Medford’s own odds, recorded at SHIRLEY BROOKHAVEN AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 18 | Oct 4 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 3 | Mar 21 | Oct 24 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Medford, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 11 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Medford planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Medford, NY?
Plan for the last spring frost in Medford around April 18 (the date it has a 50% chance of a 32°F freeze). Anything frost-sensitive should go out after it.
When is the first fall frost in Medford, NY?
The first fall frost in Medford typically arrives around October 28 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Medford in?
Medford is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. In zone 7a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Medford?
There are roughly 193 frost-free days in Medford (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 18 to the first fall frost near October 28.
When should I plant tomatoes in Medford?
In Medford, start tomato seeds indoors around February 21–March 7, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 25 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Medford
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Medford’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Farmingville · 5 km
- Holtsville · 5 km
- North Bellport · 5 km
- East Patchogue · 6 km
- Coram · 7 km
- Patchogue · 7 km
- Selden · 8 km
- Holbrook · 8 km
Frost dates recorded at SHIRLEY BROOKHAVEN AP, 10 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Medford, NY — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00054790. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/new-york/medford.