Planting Zones of Central Pennsylvania

Shultz House Gettysburg PA

Central Pennsylvania is in zones 5b through 7a, with the coldest temperatures ranging from -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Understanding your zone helps you select plants and grass that survive and thrive in your area’s lowest temperatures. Choosing plants that are not cold hardy enough for the region can result in injured and dead vegetation. This guide helps you understand the planting zones in central Pennsylvania. 

Central Pennsylvania planting zone map

usda plant hardiness map for pennsylvania
USDA

Central Pennsylvania is known for its mild summers with possible extreme temperatures and cold winters with moderate snowfall. The region is mostly in zones 6a through 7a. Zone 5b makes up a very small area. The growing season is about 170 days. First frost and last frost dates vary depending on location. 

Typically, plan on last frost dates occurring on average between April 21 and May 1. The average first frost usually happens between October 11 through October 20.

Our article, How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard, helps you select plants for a lush, lively, and lovely landscape. 

Here’s the Central Pennsylvania USDA Hardiness Zone Map:

Zone 5b: Potter County

This zone has bitterly cold weather, with temperatures falling as low as between -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Potter County is the only central Pennsylvania county primarily in zone 5b, which is fortunate for those of us who don’t care much for frigid weather. The next county with the largest surface area in this zone is Cameron County. Clinton and Tioga Counties have smaller areas in zone 5b.

Zone 6a:

Temperatures in Zone 6a range from -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone covers counties in the north-central area, like Tioga and Clinton, and includes counties in the west-central region, like Centre County. Zone 6a goes as far east as Sullivan and Columbia Counties. 

Zone 6b 

Zone 6b experiences average lows between -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone occupies some of the same northern counties as zone 6a, including Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, and Columbia. 

Zone 6b is mostly concentrated in Union, Snyder, Montour, and North Umberland counties. The zone goes as far east as Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Berks Counties. Small areas of the southernmost counties are also in zone 6b. Cities like State College and Williamsport are in this zone.

Zone 7a 

Less than a third of central Pennsylvania falls in the warmer zone 7a, with average minimum temperatures at 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Nearly all of Franklin, Adams, Cumberland, Perry, and York counties are in zone 7a. Popular cities like Lancaster and Carlisle are included in this zone.  

More lawn care and landscaping resources for Central Pennsylvania

Starting and maintaining a beautiful landscape is easier when you have the right resources. Here are some guides to help you: 

  • Planting Zones of Pennsylvania 
  • Best Native Plants for Philadelphia
  • Best Native Plants for Pittsburgh
  • When to Plant Grass Seed in Pennsylvania
  • Year-Round Pennsylvania Lawn Care Schedule
  • When to Aerate Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • The Most Common Weeds in Pennsylvania

Call a professional

Don’t spend your free time planting, pruning, watering, mowing, fertilizing, and generally breaking your back in the yard. Lawn Love has experts to do that and more. We have pros throughout Central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, and State College. Call us today. 

Main Image Credit: Shultz House Gettysburg PA | Acroterion | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0

LaShonda Tucker

LaShonda Tucker’s passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through organic herbs, fruits, and veggies leads her to research and learn about plants and insects. She loves sharing her knowledge to help others achieve their lawn care and landscaping goals.