Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Manchester, PA, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 6b.
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Manchester, PA Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Manchester, PA
The average last frost date in spring for Manchester is April 24th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 8th before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Manchester, PA
The average first frost date in fall for Manchester is October 20th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Manchester, PA
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Manchester is approximately 179 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Manchester, PA Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Manchester, PA Monthly Planting Recommendations
February
In February, recommended activities include starting Coleus seeds indoors (from February 27th to March 13th), starting French Lavender seeds indoors (from February 13th to February 27th), and starting Ground Cherry seeds indoors (from February 27th to March 13th).
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Moonflower seeds indoors (from March 13th to March 27th), direct sowing Poppy (from March 27th to April 10th), and starting Basil seeds indoors (from March 13th to March 27th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Lentil (from April 10th to April 24th), starting Pumpkin seeds indoors (from April 3rd to April 10th), and direct sowing Carrot (from April 3rd to April 17th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Okra (from May 8th to May 22nd), direct sowing Cantaloupe (from May 1st to May 15th), and direct sowing Cucumber (from May 1st to May 15th).