Ulster County Gardening Calendar: What to Plant When
Master the growing season in Ulster County with this month-by-month guide tailored for the Hudson Valley climate.
Understanding Ulster County's Growing Season.
Our Ulster County location in the Hudson Valley gives us a USDA Hardiness Zone 6a-6b climate. This means:
- Last frost date: Mid to late May
- First frost date: Early to mid-October
- Growing season: Approximately 150-180 days
Knowing these dates helps you plan your garden for maximum success.
March: Early Spring Preparation
Weather in Ulster County: Thawing begins, soil starts warming
What to do:
- Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants
- Prune dormant trees and shrubs
- Clean up garden beds, remove winter debris
- Test soil pH and amend as needed
What to plant:
- Peas (direct sow when soil is workable)
- Spinach and kale (cold-hardy greens)
- Onion sets and potato pieces
April: Spring Planting Begins
Weather in Ulster County: Unpredictable, last frosts possible
What to do:
- Harden off indoor seedlings gradually
- Prepare raised beds with compost
- Install trellises and supports for climbing plants
What to plant:
- Lettuce, arugula, and other leafy greens
- Radishes and carrots (direct sow)
- Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower transplants
- Bare-root fruit trees and berry bushes
May: The Main Growing Season Starts
Weather in Ulster County: Warmer days, frost risk diminishes
What to do:
- After last frost (mid-May): Plant warm-season crops
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture
- Set up irrigation systems before summer heat
What to plant:
- Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants (after frost)
- Cucumbers, squash, and melons
- Beans and corn
- Annual flowers for summer color
- Herbs: basil, cilantro, dill, parsley
June: Peak Planting Month
Weather in Ulster County: Warm, long days perfect for growth
What to do:
- Continue succession planting every 2-3 weeks
- Monitor for pests and diseases
- Stake tall plants like tomatoes and peppers
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What to plant:
- Second crop of quick-maturing vegetables
- More beans for continuous harvest
- Summer squash and zucchini
- Heat-loving herbs like oregano and thyme
July: Mid-Summer Maintenance
Weather in Ulster County: Hot days, occasional drought
What to do:
- Water deeply during dry spells
- Harvest regularly to encourage production
- Start planning fall garden
What to plant:
- Fall crop of broccoli and cabbage (start seeds)
- Carrots and beets for autumn harvest
- Cover crops in empty beds
August: Preparing for Fall
Weather in Ulster County: Hot days, cooler nights approaching
What to do:
- Continue harvesting summer crops
- Start seeds indoors for fall transplants
- Divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials
What to plant:
- Lettuce and spinach for fall harvest
- Kale and collard greens
- Garlic (for next year's crop)
- Fall-blooming annuals like mums
September: Fall Gardening Season
Weather in Ulster County: Perfect growing conditions return
What to do:
- Plant the fall garden
- Harvest remaining summer crops
- Begin cleanup and composting
What to plant:
- Arugula, mustard greens, and Asian greens
- Radishes and turnips
- Cover crops in spent beds
- Spring-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils)
October: Wrapping Up the Season
Weather in Ulster County: First frosts arrive, harvest time
What to do:
- Harvest all tender crops before frost
- Store root vegetables properly
- Clean and store garden tools
- Plant garlic for next year
What to plant:
- Garlic cloves (for summer 2027 harvest)
- Spring bulbs (before ground freezes)
- Cover crops to protect soil
November through February: Winter Planning
Weather in Ulster County: Cold, snow, garden rest
What to do:
- Review this year's successes and failures
- Order seeds and supplies for next season
- Start a garden journal
- Plan crop rotations
- Attend gardening workshops in Kingston and Ulster County
Local Resources for Ulster County Gardeners:
Final Tips for Success
In Ulster County, timing is everything. Watch the weather, not just the calendar. Our Hudson Valley location can bring surprises - late frosts, early heat waves, or extended dry spells.
Keep a garden journal. Note what worked, what didn't, and when you planted. This local knowledge becomes invaluable year after year.
Happy gardening, Ulster County!
