PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant beets in New York, New York

March 2 – March 16

Direct-sow outdoors · typical New York year

Climate basis: NOAA station New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY (USW00094728), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown New York (ZCTA 10007 centroid), elevation 130 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow beets from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 9.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 9
First fall freezeNovember 201-in-10 before Nov 6
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 19 – Dec 1kills even hardy greens

The New York year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 2 – Mar 16
Fall plantingSep 25 – Oct 23
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 9
Beets in New York · freeze context from New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 2 – Mar 16

Purdue: semi-hardy — 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Penn State sows from Apr 1 (−30) and UNH keys to 45°F soil; the later Purdue range is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 30). Purdue University Extension · Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · University of New Hampshire Extension

Fall planting

Sep 25 – Oct 23

Purdue Table 2: plant fall beets at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost, allowing for days to maturity. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 20). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average round variety (about 55–70 days; Penn State lists 70).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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