What zone 7b means for Brooklyn
Hardiness zones are based on the average of the coldest night of each winter over 30 years (1991 to 2020). In zone 7b, that average is 5 to 10°F (-15 to -12°C). Plants labeled hardy to zone 7b or colder should survive a typical Brooklyn winter. A plant rated only to a warmer zone will need a sheltered spot, a pot you can bring inside, or treating as an annual.
How Brooklyn compares with the rest of New York
New York runs from zone 4a to zone 7b on the 2023 map. About 23% of the state's ZIP codes share Brooklyn's zone 7b. Brooklyn is in the warmest zone found in the state.
Frost dates in Brooklyn
These are the median dates of the last and first 32°F freeze from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals, using the weather station closest to Brooklyn (NY Ave V Brooklyn, about 1 km away). Half of years have a later last frost, so tender plants are safest a week or two after the date. Your own garden can differ with elevation and shelter: check your exact ZIP code above.
Vegetable planting calendar for Brooklyn
Purdue Extension groups vegetables by how much frost they can take and times planting from the average last spring frost. Applied to Brooklyn's last frost of April 1:
| Group | Plant outdoors | Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy crops (tolerate a hard frost) 4 to 6 weeks before the average last spring frost | February 18 to March 4 | Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leek, mustard, onion, peas, potato, radish, rhubarb, spinach, turnip |
| Semi-hardy crops (tolerate a light frost) 2 to 4 weeks before the average last spring frost | March 4 to March 18 | Beet, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, mustard, parsnip |
| Tender crops (damaged by frost) after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 50°F | From April 1 | Bean, sweet corn, tomato |
| Very tender crops (warm season) at least 2 weeks after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 60 to 65°F | From April 15 | Cucumber, eggplant, melons, okra, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato |
Spring planting for direct seeding or transplants. A late cold snap can still happen, so watch the forecast and protect tender plants. Want today's answer for your ZIP code? Use what to plant now.
Sources: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020; Purdue Extension, Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W).
Choosing plants for zone 7b
When you shop, look for the hardiness range on the tag or in the catalog, such as "zones 4 to 9". Pick perennials, shrubs and trees whose range includes 7b. If you are set on a plant rated only to a warmer zone, plant it in a sheltered spot against a south-facing wall, mulch the roots before winter, or grow it in a container you can move into a garage. Zones only cover winter cold, so also check sun, water and soil needs. More in how to read a plant tag.
Brooklyn ZIP codes and zones
ZIP codes GeoNames assigns to Brooklyn, which can include PO box ZIP codes.
Other cities in New York
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Brooklyn?
The median last spring frost (32°F) near Brooklyn is April 1, and the median first fall frost is November 19, based on NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals.
What planting zone is Brooklyn in?
Brooklyn, NY is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b. Zone 7b means an average coldest winter night of 5 to 10°F (-15 to -12°C), based on the 2023 USDA map.
Did Brooklyn's zone change in 2023?
The 2023 USDA map uses weather data from 1991 to 2020. The USDA says about half of the country shifted to the next warmer half zone compared with the 2012 map, while the rest stayed in the same half zone.
Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code listings, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University. Place names: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not the official USDA map. Our data.