When to plant in Shirley, NY
USDA Zone 7aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Shirley, New York — all computed from Shirley's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 7a means many perennials and even some tender shrubs overwinter in Shirley, 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 Shirley’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 Shirley, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 19 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.
Shirley planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Shirley, NY?
On average, the last spring frost in Shirley is around April 18 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Shirley, NY?
The first fall frost in Shirley typically arrives around October 28 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Shirley in?
Shirley 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 Shirley?
There are roughly 193 frost-free days in Shirley (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 Shirley?
In Shirley, 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 Shirley
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Shirley’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Mastic · 3 km
- Mastic Beach · 5 km
- North Bellport · 6 km
- East Patchogue · 9 km
- Medford · 10 km
- Manorville · 11 km
- Ridge · 12 km
- Patchogue · 13 km
Frost dates recorded at SHIRLEY BROOKHAVEN AP, 3 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 Shirley, NY — Frost Dates & Zone 7a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00054790. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/new-york/shirley.