PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Manchester, New Hampshire

April 2 – April 16

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Manchester year

Climate basis: NOAA station Massabesic Lake, NH (USC00275211), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Manchester (ZCTA 03101 centroid), elevation 253 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow mustard greens from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 30). One year in ten still freezes after May 14.

Last spring freezeApril 301-in-10 after May 14
First fall freezeOctober 111-in-10 before Sep 30
Frost-free season≈ 164 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 17 – Oct 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Manchester year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 2 – Apr 16
Fall plantingAug 16 – Sep 13
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 14
Mustard greens in Manchester · freeze context from Massabesic Lake, NH, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 2 – Apr 16

Purdue lists mustard under both hardy (4–6 weeks before the last frost) and semi-hardy (2–4 weeks before); the later semi-hardy start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 30). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 16 – Sep 13

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 11). Purdue University Extension

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 (1)

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