Last spring frost
Apr 15
Frost Dates for Rutgers University-Busch Campus, NJ
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
193 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Rutgers University-Busch Campus, NJ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 193-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 2 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 14 | Apr 29 | Apr 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 15 | Apr 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 17 | Apr 2 | Mar 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 21 | Mar 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 14 | May 9 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 |
| 28°F | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 18 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 |
| 20°F | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 16°F | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 14 | Oct 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 26 | Nov 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 7 | Nov 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 20 | Dec 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 30 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 24°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 18 | Dec 24 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 25 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: New Brunswick 3 Se, Nj, about 5.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 111 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rutgers University-Busch Campus, NJ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Rutgers University-Busch Campus, NJ is about Apr 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Rutgers University-Busch Campus, NJ typically arrives about Oct 26. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 15 on average, or Apr 2 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 193 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 08854 Planting calendar → New Jersey frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026