What Planting Zone is New Jersey?[Map, Cities, and Growing Tips]

New Jersey’s planting zones range from 6a to 7b, with most of the state falling within zones 6b and 7a. Northern New Jersey is generally in zones 6a and 6b, while central New Jersey sits in zone 7a. Southern New Jersey, including coastal areas, primarily falls into zone 7b.

If you’re a gardener wondering what planting zone is New Jersey, this guide breaks down the zones by region, explains why they matter, and shares practical tips for growing in New Jersey’s unique climate.

🌱 What Planting Zone is New Jersey?

To understand what planting zone is New Jersey, you need to know how the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map works. It’s based on the average annual minimum winter temperatures, helping gardeners select plants that can survive their winters.

Here’s how New Jersey is divided:

In short, the answer to what planting zone is New Jersey varies slightly depending on your county, but it typically falls between zones 6a and 7b.

📍 New Jersey Planting Zones by City

Here’s a quick city-based breakdown of what planting zone is New Jersey:

🌡️ Why Planting Zone is New Jersey Matters?

When gardeners ask what planting zone is New Jersey, they’re really asking: “Which plants can survive my winters?” This matters because your zone helps you:

• Pick perennials that will survive frost
• Plan vegetable planting times
• Protect delicate plants from winter damage
• Understand your growing season length

For example, citrus trees might survive in Cape May (zone 7b) with protection, but they wouldn’t survive in Sussex (zone 6a) without being brought indoors.

🧠 Example: Tomatoes in Zone 6a vs. Zone 7b (New Jersey)

In Zone 6a (Sussex County), you’ll typically plant tomatoes outdoors after May 10th. But in Zone 7b (Cape May), you can start planting as early as April 15th. That’s nearly a month of extra growing time, which impacts yield, pest cycles, and harvest timing.

📅 Planting Calendar for New Jersey Gardeners

💡 Tips for Gardening in New Jersey’s Planting Zones

Since the answer to what planting zone is New Jersey spans multiple zones, gardeners need to adapt:

✅ Do:

• Check frost dates locally — they can vary even within zones.
• Use raised beds to improve drainage, especially in clay-heavy soils.
• Mulch to retain moisture during New Jersey’s humid summers.

❌ Don’t:

• Assume all of NJ is the same — zones shift drastically from north to south.
• Overlook microclimates (urban areas often act like warmer zones).
• Forget about deer resistance in plant choices (especially in zones 6a/6b).

📍 Find Your Exact New Jersey Planting Zone

While we’ve answered what planting zone is New Jersey in general, your exact zip code might reveal small variations. Use the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for precise info.

🧮 Recommended Tools for NJ Gardeners

If you’re planning your garden in New Jersey, these tools will help:

• Soil Volume Calculator – Know exactly how much soil you need for raised beds.
• Plant Spacing Calculator – Prevent overcrowding and maximize yield.
• Indoor Plant Watering Calculator – Perfect for your houseplants or container garden.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is New Jersey mostly in?

Most of New Jersey falls within zones 6b and 7a, with northern areas in zone 6a and southern/coastal regions in zone 7b.

Can I grow palm trees in New Jersey?

Palm trees are not winter-hardy in most of New Jersey. However, in zone 7b (Cape May), some cold-hardy varieties like Windmill Palms may survive with protection.

When is the last frost in New Jersey?

• Zone 6a: Around May 10th
• Zone 7a: Late April
• Zone 7b: Mid to late April

✅ Conclusion: Know Your New Jersey Planting Zone

So, what planting zone is New Jersey? In summary, it spans zones 6a to 7b. This means gardeners in New Jersey need to pay attention to their local zone to choose the right plants, time their planting, and ensure success.

Whether you’re in chilly Sussex or balmy Cape May, understanding your planting zone gives you a huge advantage.