New Jersey growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start

Zones across New Jersey

New Jersey covers USDA Zones 6a–7b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

• Zone 6a — Sussex County and the northwest highlands. Average last frost 05/01, first frost 10/01 (about 153 frost-free days).
• Zone 6b — Morris and Hunterdon counties. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
• Zone 7a — Central Jersey and the Pinelands. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
• Zone 7b — Vineland and the south Jersey coast. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Central Jersey and the Pinelands (Zone 7a)

• Tomatoes: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 2 – July 23
• Peppers: set out April 29 – May 20; fall July 16 – August 6
• Sweet corn: seed April 15 – May 6; fall July 16 – August 6
• Cucumbers: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 30 – August 20
• Summer squash: seed April 22 – May 13; fall August 6 – August 27
• Green beans (bush): seed April 15 – May 6; fall July 30 – August 20
• Cabbage: set out March 18 – April 8; fall July 2 – July 23
• Broccoli: set out March 18 – April 8; fall July 2 – July 23

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Published costs per acre

• Rutgers Table 34: Costs and Returns for Tomato (Fresh Market), Per Acre — 1996 (Rutgers Cooperative Extension — Farm Management, 1996): about $4,129 per acre.
• Rutgers Table 33: Costs and Returns for Sweet Corn (Mid to Late Season), Per Acre — 1996 (Rutgers Cooperative Extension — Farm Management, 1996): about $1,593 per acre.
• Rutgers Table 53: Costs and Returns for Bell Pepper, Per Acre — 1996 (Rutgers Cooperative Extension — Farm Management, 1996): about $4,123 per acre.

Where to sell in New Jersey

• State buy-local program: the New Jersey Department of Agriculture runs Jersey Fresh. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
• Established market: Vineland Produce Auction. Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
• Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
• Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in New Jersey

• Income tax: Graduated state income tax.
• Sales tax on inputs: Farm inputs and equipment are exempt; give the vendor Form ST-7 (Farmer's Exemption Certificate).
• Farmland property tax: Farmland Assessment Act: qualifying land is assessed on farm use value; file with the municipal tax assessor each year.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in New Jersey

• Farmland Preservation Program (State Agriculture Development Committee)
• Soil and water conservation cost-share through the State Soil Conservation Committee
• Specialty Crop Block Grant (NJ Department of Agriculture)
• USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
• Northeast SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

• Rutgers Cooperative Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
• Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers