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USDA Zone 5A

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — April 30 to October 12

Zone 5a endures some of the coldest winters in the continental US, with minimum temperatures dropping to -20°F. Gardeners work within a compact growing window running roughly from mid-May through early October. The short season rewards careful timing — starting warm-season transplants indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost is essential.

Zone 5A at a glance: Last frost averages April 30 (range Apr 10–May 15). First fall frost averages October 12. Growing season is 165 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after April 30.
Updated May 14, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
April 30
Range: Apr 10 – May 15
First Fall Frost
October 12
Range: Sep 28 – Oct 25
Growing Season
165 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
-20° to -15°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Des Moines, IA
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
36"
Regular pattern

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on April 30 average last frost. Start indoors dates assume seed starting under grow lights or in a warm window. All dates are averages — adjust based on your specific microclimate and the current year's weather.

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant / Direct Sow Harvest Window
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 8
Alaska Early Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 8
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 22 – Jul 2
All Season Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 5
All Year Round lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 10 – Jun 19
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14
America lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 1
Angelica herb Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Sep 27
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24 – Aug 13
Astro Arugula lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 17
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 9 – Jul 29
Autumn King Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 19
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Sep 27
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 19
Beauty Pink Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Beauty Purple Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Beauty White Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Bee Balm flower — Apr 30 Plant Out —
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 15
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 14 – Jul 29
Black Salsify root_vegetable Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 5
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 23
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Apr 30 Plant Out —
Blazing Star Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Sep 12
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 29
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Blue Flax Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Aug 14
Bok Choy lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Boltardy Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Borage flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 14
Bouquet Dill herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 20
Brilliant Celeriac root_vegetable Mar 19 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 18 – Aug 28
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 23 – Jul 3
Broadleaf Classic lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
Buckwheat cover crop — Apr 30 Plant Out May 30 – Jun 14
Bull's Blood Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 24
Burgundy Boston lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Buttercrunch lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 1
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 11
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Calendula flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 29
Calypso Cilantro herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 24
Canary Yellow lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Caraway herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Apr 9 – Jun 13
Carentan Leeks allium Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Aug 4
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 15
Catmint herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 28
Catnip Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 24
Champion Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Chantenay Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Mar 26 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 23
Chervil herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant May 14 – May 24
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 7 – May 27
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20 – Jul 10
Chives herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 14
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 3
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Oct 25
Common Sage herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 14 – Jul 29
Concord grape vines berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 15
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Cosmos flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 9 – Jul 29
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 14
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Apr 2 – Apr 1
Crimson Clover cover crop — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 29
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root_vegetable Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 19 – Jul 29
Crisphead lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 21
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Curly Kale lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 11
Curly Parsley herb Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 19
Cylindra Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29
Daikon Radishes root_vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 31 – Jun 10
Dandelion herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant May 19 – Jun 8
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 30
Dark Green Romaine lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 16
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 8
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 8
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Dill herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 24
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 25
Dukat Dill herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 26 – Jun 5
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 31
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Mar 26 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 23
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Early Wonder Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19
Easter Egg Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 28 – Jun 1
Echinacea flower — Apr 30 Plant Out —
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Endive / Escarole lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 11
English Lavender flower — Apr 30 Plant Out —
English Lavender herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Aug 28
English White Daisy Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Sep 27
Evergreen Bunching Onions root_vegetable Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Evergreen Parsley herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 10
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 22
Fenugreek herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Foxglove Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Jun 27
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
French Marigold flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 29
French Red Shallots allium Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 31
French Tarragon herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 19
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Garlic Chives herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 14
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 26
German Chamomile herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 4
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 7
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 19 – Aug 3
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Giant Red lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 19
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 9
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Golden Detroit Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Golden Globe Turnips root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 19
Grano Red Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Grano White Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Green Arrow Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 18
Green Ice lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Green Onion vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 29
Green Wave lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Hailstone Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 30
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Aug 4
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 23 – Jul 13
Harris Model Parsnips root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29
Herb Fennel herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 9
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Holland Red Shallots allium Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 31
Horehound Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14
Horseradish vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Sep 17 – Oct 7
Hot Pink lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Iceberg lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 21
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 25
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 8
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Oct 27
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 15
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 15
Italian Oregano herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 8
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jul 4
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Apr 29
Jewel Strawberries berry Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Mar 26 – Jun 4
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 4
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Jun 27
Kuroda Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Lacinato Kale lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 11
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Jul 4
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Leek vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Aug 8 – Sep 7
Lemon Balm herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jun 29
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 9
Lemon Mint Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29
Lemongrass herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 14 – Aug 8
Little Fingers Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24
Little Gem lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 2
Little Marvel Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 11
Lollo Bionda lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Lollo Rossa lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 30 – Jun 2
Lovage Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 4 – Jul 24
Lunar White Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 19
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Jun 27
Magenta Sunset lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Mammoth Dill herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 31 – Jun 20
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 22
Mammoth Sunflower flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 4 – Jul 19
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 15
Matador Viking lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 25
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 8
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Sep 12
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 30
Mesclun Mix lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 7
Michihili Cabbage brassica Mar 26 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 18
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 15
Mizuna lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Morris Heading lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jun 26
Mugwort herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 19 – Aug 3
Mustard Greens lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 12 – May 27
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 30
Napa Cabbage brassica — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jul 6
Nasturtium flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jul 4
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 27
New England Aster Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Sep 25
Noble Giant lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 23 – May 27
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Nutri-Red Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
OG American Flag Leeks allium Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 25
Old Fashion lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Orange lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 9
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 18 – Jun 22
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 16
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Sep 12
Paris Market Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 24
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Peppermint herb — Apr 30 Plant Out May 30 – Jun 14
Phacelia California Bluebell/Desert Bluebell Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 4
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 18
Popcorn vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 24 – Aug 28
Premier lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 10
Purple Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Purple Haze Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 12
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 16 – Apr 15
Purple Plum Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 28 – May 30
Pápalo leaves herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 19
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24 – Aug 8
Radicchio lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jul 1
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 31 – Jun 25
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Mar 26 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 28
Red Burgundy Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 18 – Aug 28
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 15
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Red Romaine lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 16
Red Russian Kale lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Rhubarb vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Apr 30 – Apr 29
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 21
Roman Chamomile herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 28
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 22
Ruby Red lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Rue herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 3 – Sep 2
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Sep 12
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 26 – May 27
Salad Burnet herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 2 – Jul 22
San Andreas Strawberries berry Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 25
Shallot vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Aug 28
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Apr 30
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Apr 30 – Jul 24
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 26 – Jun 10
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Jul 31
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 28 – Jun 9
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Apr 23 – Sep 5
Snow White Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Solar Yellow Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Southport Red Globe Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Southport White Globe Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Spanish Sweet White Onions root_vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 18 – Aug 28
Sparkler Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 25 – May 30
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 9
Spearmint herb — Apr 30 Plant Out May 30 – Jun 14
St. Valery/James Scarlet Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Stevia herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Aug 28
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant May 31 – Jun 4
Summer Bibb lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Oct 27
Sweet Alyssum flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 24
Sweet Woodruff herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Swiss Chard lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Tall Plains Golden Tickseed Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 9
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 9
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Aug 8 – Sep 7
Tango lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 9 – May 17
Tansy herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 8 – Sep 7
Tarragon Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24
Tatsoi lettuce Mar 19 Apr 2 Transplant Apr 27 – May 17
Tendergreen lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Tendersweet Carrots root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion root_vegetable Feb 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Aug 3
Thyme herb Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 19 – Aug 3
Tom Thumb lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 16
Tomatillo vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 24
True Watercress vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 29
Tuscany Black lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
Upland Cress vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 19
Vates lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Vates lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
Verona Red lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 8
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Apr 15
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 13
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Mar 12 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 25
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Wando Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Water spinach stems and leaves lettuce Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 30 – Jun 14
Watermelon Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
White Boston lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
White Detroit Beets root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
White Icicle Radishes root_vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 30 – Jun 9
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root_vegetable Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 4
Winner Kohlrabi brassica — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Winter Density lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 31 – Jun 6
Winter Giant lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Witloof White lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 22 – Aug 14
Wormwood herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 8 – Sep 7
Yarrow flower — Apr 30 Plant Out —
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 9
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jul 15
Zinnia flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 29
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Acorn Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 26 – Aug 15
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Mar 26 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Aug 15
All Sweet Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 7
Anaheim Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 7
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Anise herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 7 – Jul 6
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 2
Banana Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Banana Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Basil Herb Mix herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 26
Bay Laurel herb — May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – May 7
Beauregard Sweet Potato root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 20
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 7
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Big Max Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 30 – Sep 4
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 1
Bitter melons vegetable Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Apr 13 May 11 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 5
Black Cherry Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 17 – Jul 28
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 Transplant May 21 – May 26
Black-Eyed Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 16
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 1
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 4
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Broadleaf Sage Herb herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21
Broccolini brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 23
Brussels Sprouts brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Sep 1
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Butternut Squash squash Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 5
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
California Wonder Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 1 – Aug 4
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Cantaloupe melon Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Sep 4 – Nov 3
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 17 – Sep 11
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 10
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Apr 2 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Caserta Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11
Casper Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23
Cayenne Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 25
Celeste Fig berry — May 14 Plant Out May 14 – May 13
Chayote squash vegetable May 14 May 14 Transplant Sep 11 – Oct 11
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 7
Cherry Belle Radish root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow May 28 – Jun 6
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Apr 2 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — May 14 Plant Out May 14 – May 13
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21
Chioggia Beet root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 11
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 5
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 25
Cinnamon Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 26
Clasping Coneflower flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Classic Cumin herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Jul 31
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26
Congo Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Contender Bush Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jul 1
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Cosmic Purple Carrot root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 4 – Jul 21
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 5
Creole Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Crosne tubers root_vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Nov 10 – Dec 20
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 30
Culinary Turmeric root_vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jan 16 – Mar 17
Cupid Grape Tomato tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Danvers Carrot root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 16 – Jul 26
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 26
Datil peppers pepper Apr 2 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 1
Delica kabocha squash squash Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Aug 17 – Sep 1
Delicata Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 26 – Aug 15
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Detroit Dark Red Beet root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 1
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
Edamame legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 10
Egg Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Elephant garlic bulbs root_vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Nov 10 – Jan 9
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 11
English Lavender Herb herb Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
English Thyme herb — May 7 Plant Out Jul 16 – Aug 5
Epazote herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 5
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6
Fall Rutabagas root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 31 – Aug 15
Fava Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 15
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Sep 11
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
French Breakfast Radish root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow May 28 – Jun 4
Fresno Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 28
Genovese Basil herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Ginger root_vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jan 16 – Mar 17
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 28
Golden Beet root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 11
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11
Golden Celery vegetable Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 10
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Greek Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Greek Oregano herb — May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – Jul 26
Green Cabbage brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 22
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Apr 9 May 14 Transplant May 14 – May 13
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 25
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Green Purslane vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 26
Green shiso leaves herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Jul 31
Habanero Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 12
Harvester Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Heritage Raspberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 7 – Jul 6
Highbush Blueberries berry Apr 16 May 14 Transplant May 13
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 1
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 7
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Honeydew Melon melon Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 6
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — May 14 Plant Out May 13
Isis Candy cherry tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 25
Jacob's Cattle beans legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Jade Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root_vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 1 – Oct 11
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Oct 1 – Oct 21
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Jubilee Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 12 – Jul 14
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Kentucky Wonder Brown Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 18
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 4 – Jul 16
King Arthur Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 28
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume May 3 May 10 Transplant Aug 6 – Aug 13
Landreth Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 21
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Lemon Verbena herb — May 7 Plant Out Aug 5 – Sep 4
Lemongrass Herb herb Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 22
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 26
Licorice Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 26
Lima Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 26
Lime Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28
Luffa gourds vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Marion Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Midnight Snack Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 7
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 28
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 23
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Nagami Kumquat berry — May 14 Plant Out May 13
Nantes Carrot root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 21
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 12
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Nopales pads vegetable May 14 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Sep 11
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 5
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – Aug 5
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 30 – Sep 9
Padron Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Parsnip root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 15 – Sep 14
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Patriot Blueberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 6
Pattypan Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 23 – Jul 1
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Pepperoncini Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 13
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 12
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Aug 25
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Mar 19 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 21
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Poblano Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Potato onion clusters root_vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 28
Provider Bush Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 1
Purple Basil herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 7
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 22
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
Rainbow Corn vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 20 – Aug 30
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 Transplant May 20 – May 24
Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 7 – Jul 6
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Red Cabbage brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Sep 1
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Red Pontiac Potato root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 25
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Sep 4
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 26
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 23
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Roma II Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 5
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Romanesco brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 22
Romano Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 14
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Oct 4 – Nov 3
Rosemary herb — May 14 Plant Out Aug 2 – Aug 22
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 21
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Rutgers Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 10
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 16
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 31
Seascape Strawberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Jul 21 – Aug 5
Serrano Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Shelling Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 16
Shishito Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Signet marigold edible flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 3
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Snow Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 16
Soapwort flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Sep 4
Softneck Garlic root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jan 2 – Feb 1
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Spaghetti Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 3 – Aug 15
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 Transplant May 22 – May 28
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 25
Sugar Snap Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 16
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 13
Summer Savory herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 10
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 18
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 6
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Aug 10 – Aug 15
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Supersweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet Marjoram herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 5
Sweet Million Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 14
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Sep 11 – Nov 30
Thai Basil herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume May 3 May 10 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 24
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 23
Tiny Tim Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 8
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Top Hat Blueberry berry — May 7 Plant Out May 6
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 21
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Apr 2 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Sep 11
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Sep 4
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Tumbling Tom Red Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 12
Turnip root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 6
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 5
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Watermelon Radish root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 11
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
White clover living mulch cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 12
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Nov 10 – Dec 20
Yard Long Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Aug 5
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 6
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 12
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Yukon Gold Potato root_vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 26 – Aug 15
Garlic root_vegetable Oct 25 Nov 1 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29

Browse Zone 5A by Month

See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 5A.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Zone 5A Growing Tips

States in Zone 5A

Zone 5A spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.

Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan (Upper Peninsula) Vermont New Hampshire Maine Montana (east) Wyoming (north)

What works well in Zone 5A

Zone 5a's short 165-day season and 35-day last-frost variability (April 10 to May 15) reward gardeners who start warm-season crops indoors, warm soil before transplanting, and protect spring and fall shoulders.

Row cover / frost blanket

Critical

Row cover adds frost protection, speeds early growth, and physically excludes insect pests without spraying. Look for spun-bonded fabric with a stated weight and frost rating, UV resistance, and enough width for hoops or low tunnels.

Source: University of Maryland Extension; University of New Hampshire Extension; Colorado State University Extension

Budget Agfabric Floating Row Cover (5'x25') Lightweight 0.9 oz fabric for light frost and pest exclusion. Breathable enough to leave on all season without overheating plants. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value AlpineReach Frost Blanket (10'x30') Thicker 1.2 oz fabric rated to protect down to 28°F. Covers 300 sq ft — enough for multiple raised beds in a single sheet. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium DeWitt Supreme Crop Protection (6'x50') Professional-grade 1.5 oz fabric from the brand farms and extension offices use. Handles hard freezes and lasts multiple seasons. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Seed starting tray + heat mat

Critical

For gardeners who start seeds indoors, this combo improves even germination. Warm-season crops benefit from bottom heat. Look for a rigid tray, cell inserts with drainage, and a heat mat paired with a thermostat.

Source: Utah State University Extension; Iowa State University Extension; Mississippi State University Extension

Budget VIVOSUN Seedling Heat Mat (10"x20") The foundation piece. UL & MET certified, 27,000+ reviews. Slides under any tray to boost germination rates for warm-season seeds. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value VIVOSUN Heat Mat + Thermostat Combo Same trusted mat with a digital thermostat so you can dial in exact soil temperature. Peppers want 80-85°F, tomatoes 75-80°F. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium AC Infinity Heavy-Duty Germination Kit Complete germination station with Samsung LEDs, 3mm thick dome, heat mat, and ventilation panels. The setup serious seed starters graduate to. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Plastic mulch for melon beds

High

UMN Extension emphasizes waiting for warm soil for melons and notes that plastic mulches warm the soil. Melons demand warm soil and a long season, so root-zone warming materially improves establishment.

Source: UMN Extension

Budget Grower's Solution Black Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 100 ft, 1.0 mil) 1.0 mil embossed black mulch film at home-garden roll size. Heats soil 5-10°F over bare ground per extension research. Embossed surface improves soil contact and reduces wind lift. Best for one or two raised beds. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Grower's Solution Black Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 250 ft, 1.0 mil) Same 1.0 mil embossed film at 2.5x the length for only a few dollars more. Better per-foot economics for gardeners with multiple beds or planning multiple seasons of use. Store the unused portion rolled and dry between seasons. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium Grower's Solution Red Plastic Mulch (4 ft x 250 ft, 1.0 mil) Red mulch reflects far-red light back into the canopy, which UMN Extension and other extension trials have linked to 12-20% tomato yield increases over black mulch. Same 1.0 mil embossed spec, swapped for the color that matters when growing tomatoes specifically. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Clean straw mulch for berry rows

High

Penn State Extension says strawberry plantings require mulch for winter protection from cold and soil heaving and recommends about 4 inches of clean straw. It insulates shallow crowns and keeps fruiting zones cleaner.

Source: Penn State Extension

Budget EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch (1 cu ft, covers ~250 sq ft) Processed wheat straw, the type Penn State Extension specifically recommends for strawberry winter protection. Apply 3 to 4 inches over strawberry rows after several nights in the low-to-mid 20s to insulate shallow crowns from freeze-thaw heaving. Covers about 250 square feet. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value HealthiStraw GardenStraw (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs cleaned wheat straw) Cleaned wheat straw at 3 cubic feet for larger strawberry plantings. Penn State recommends about 4 inches of clean straw for winter protection and notes that more exposed pyramid or raised-bed strawberry plantings benefit from 6 to 8 inches because the crowns are more exposed to cold air. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

Soil thermometer

Medium

University of Minnesota Extension recommends measuring soil temperature 2 to 4 inches below the surface to decide when warm-season crops can actually be planted, because air temperature and average frost dates do not reliably predict whether soil is warm enough for germination. A dedicated soil thermometer with a 4 to 6 inch stainless steel probe gives gardeners a deterministic reading instead of relying on the calendar alone, which matters most in zones with wide last-frost variability. Look for a waterproof stainless steel stem, a clearly marked vegetable-garden temperature range, and a readable analog or digital display at planting depth.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Budget REOTEMP K82-3 Soil Thermometer (5" stem) 5-inch waterproof stainless steel stem, 0-220°F range. Purpose-built for seeding and transplanting decisions, not a multi-meter combo. Established US instrument brand with consistent accuracy reviews. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value Smart Choice Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer (5" stem, 1.5" dial) 5-inch (127mm) stainless steel stem, 0-220°F range, 1.5-inch easy-read dial. Stronger review count and slightly larger display than the budget option, with the same temperature range. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Premium VeeGee Stainless Steel Soil Thermometer (6" stem, 3" dial) 6-inch stainless steel stem with a large 3-inch glass-covered dial, ±2°F accuracy with 2°F subdivisions, calibration adjustment, 1-year warranty. The most readable and most accurate of the three; best for older eyes or quick spring readings without bending close. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs.

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Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals via NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals, NWS Des Moines (DMX). Growing season data from Iowa State University Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.