Veggie Planting Q&A

By Pat Curran, Horticulture Educator, Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension

Question: Is it safe to plant my veggie garden yet?

Answer: It's getting closer! Our average last frost date in Schoharie and Otsego Counties is May 26 for Cobleskill and June 6 for Cooperstown. 

Out in the country, planting tender veggies like tomatoes and peppers is still a gamble until the end of the month. If you don't have any out-of-town trips planned, and you have a supply of emergency plant covers on hand (such as old sheets, towels, curtains, cardboard boxes, laundry baskets), go ahead and plant. Then listen to the weather predictions every day and be ready to rush out and cover them up.

Of course, some veggies are more cold-tolerant than others. Lettuce, spinach, carrots, onions, parsley, and leeks will take some light frosts, unlike tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which will succumb to frost. Other veggies are sensitive even to cold temperatures above freezing. Melons, cucumbers, basil, and okra may be permanently stunted by temps in the thirties. For a complete list of veggies in each category, either contact the Garden Helpline at Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties at (607) 547-2536 ext. 228. Here is additional information on First Planting dates on our website.

Some veggies prefer cool temperatures and either will not thrive when it gets hot, or else may bolt (flower) and go to seed. Lettuce is one example. This spring was particularly problematic with the fluctuating temperatures. There are ways to try and extend the season, by planting in light shade, or on the shady side of taller veggies like tomatoes. Consult the website above and plan a late summer garden as well. With careful planning and fast-growing crops, it is possible to grow more than one crop in the same space, even with our short growing season.

Last updated February 24, 2021