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USDA Zone 5A

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — May 7 to October 4

Zone 5a endures hard winters, with minimum temperatures dropping to -20°F. Gardeners work within a compact growing window bracketed by a late-spring last frost and an early-autumn first frost. 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 May 7 (range April 23 to May 21). First fall frost averages October 4. That is a frost-free span of about 147 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after May 7.
Last Spring Frost
May 7
range April 23 to May 21
First Fall Frost
October 4
Range: Sep 20 – Oct 17
Growing Season
147 days
Frost-free days between the dates above
Winter Low
-20° to -15°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Des Moines, IA
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
36"
Regular pattern

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 5A

Computed across 2,257 ZIP codes in Zone 5A · Composite generated Aug 12, 2026 | NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals (released 2021) | Threshold: minimum temperature at or below 32°F (NCEI element TMIN-PRBLST-T32F) — some crops are damaged above 32°F too, depending on duration, humidity, wind, and crop sensitivity
In Zone 5A, the last spring frost most likely lands on May 7. There's a 10% chance it could happen as late as May 21, and a 10% chance it's already done by April 23. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 2,257 ZIP codes in Zone 5A.
Earliest (10% by)
Apr 23
10% chance frost is done by this date
Typical (50% by)
May 7
50% chance frost is done by this date
Latest (90% by)
May 21
90% chance frost is done by this date
Zone 5A last-frost probability curve Cumulative probability curve showing the likelihood that the last spring frost has occurred by each date in Zone 5A. P10 (10% probability) is April 23, P50 (50%, the median) is May 7, P90 (90%) is May 21. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals. 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Apr 3 Apr 14 Apr 26 May 7 May 18 May 30 Jun 10 Probability (%) Date P10: Apr 23 P50: May 7 P90: May 21

Swipe the chart to see the full date range

How we calculate this

NOAA provides station-level Climate Normals. NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) records daily minimum temperatures at thousands of U.S. weather stations and publishes, for each station, the probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each calendar date — based on 30 years of observations (1991–2020). These per-station probability percentiles are the primary data.

SoilStack aggregates those station-level normals into a per-USDA-zone composite. For each ZIP code in Zone 5A, we identify nearby NOAA stations, weight each station's contribution by inverse-distance squared to the ZIP centroid, build a per-ZIP composite from those weighted station percentiles, and then aggregate every per-ZIP composite in the zone into a single zone-level composite using a weighted circular mean for dates and a weighted arithmetic mean for numeric values like growing-season length.

For Zone 5A specifically, this composite was aggregated across 2,257 contributing ZIP codes (of 2,393 total ZIP codes assigned to this zone in the USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map).

Read the full methodology →

Data sources

NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals — the authoritative U.S. climatological dataset, released by NOAA in 2021 and covering frost-date probabilities at six temperature thresholds and nine probability percentiles for thousands of stations nationwide. Dataset identifier: gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619.

Methodology paper: Palecki, M., Durre, I., Applequist, S., Arguez, A., Lawrimore, J. (2021). U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991–2020). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Station ↔ ZIP crosswalk: built from NOAA’s GHCN station inventory and the U.S. Census Bureau 2024 ZCTA Gazetteer (public domain) using great-circle distance with inverse-distance-squared weighting.

Live freeze outlook: National Weather Service (NWS) public forecast API, for the location of a ZIP you enter. Used only within about 7 days of a forecast freeze, the range an NWS point forecast reaches; without a ZIP, or outside that window, the chart shows the NOAA climate normal alone.

View the NOAA NCEI dataset →

How to read this chart

The curve shows the cumulative probability that the last spring frost has occurred by each date. It rises from 0% (no chance frost is done that early) to 100% (essentially certain frost has occurred by that late date).

Three reference points are highlighted:

  • P10 (Apr 23) — the earliest date by which there’s a 10% chance the last frost is already done. Gardeners willing to take risk on early planting anchor decisions here.
  • P50 (May 7) — the median. Half of historical years had their last frost on or before this date. This is the “Typical” reference.
  • P90 (May 21) — the date by which there’s a 90% chance frost is done. Risk-averse gardeners planting frost-sensitive crops use this date as their go-ahead signal.

For most warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil, beans), waiting until the P50 to P90 window is the conservative call. Hardier crops can go in around P10.

The typical last-frost line. The P50 marker is the climate-normal center — the median last-frost date from 30 years of NOAA data. If you enter your ZIP and a freeze is within the 7-day National Weather Service window, a separate marker shows that forecast freeze for your location. A forecast freeze is not necessarily the season’s last: later freezes remain possible.

Limitations

Climate normals plus a short-range forecast blend. The probability curve reflects the climatological baseline from 1991–2020: what’s likely in a typical year. The optional freeze outlook adds the live NWS forecast for your ZIP when a freeze is within about 7 days, the range where a genuine point forecast exists. Without a ZIP, or beyond that horizon, the chart stays on the climate normal, because no forecast can reliably see further out. An early warm spell does not move the estimate earlier on its own, since last frost dates do not reliably track spring warmth.

Microclimate variation. A zone composite represents the weighted average across hundreds of stations. Your specific ZIP may run several days warmer or cooler than the zone average due to elevation, water proximity, urban heat island, or local topography.

Station density. Zone 5A has dense NOAA station coverage. Some zones with sparser ZIP-level coverage (Alaska, parts of the desert Southwest) rely on fewer mapped ZIPs and should be interpreted with slightly more caution.

Data refresh cycle. NOAA releases new Climate Normals on a 10-year cycle. The current 1991–2020 dataset will be superseded by the 2001–2030 release expected in 2031.

Data source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Annual/Seasonal Climate Normals (1991-2020). Dataset ID gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619. Methodology: Palecki et al. (2021). License: NOAA NODD (public domain, no endorsement).

First Fall Frost for Zone 5A

Data current as of Aug 12, 2026
In Zone 5A, the first fall frost most likely arrives on October 4, 2026. There's a 10% chance it comes as early as September 20, and a 10% chance it holds off until October 17. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 2,257 ZIP codes in Zone 5A.
Earliest (10% by)
Sep 20
10% chance frost has arrived by this date
Typical (50% by)
Oct 4
50% chance frost has arrived by this date
Latest (90% by)
Oct 17
90% chance frost has arrived by this date

Planning ahead

The typical first fall frost is around October 4 in Zone 5A, somewhere between September 20 and October 17. That is the climate-normal center from 30 years of NOAA data. Enter your ZIP above for a forecast tied to your location when a freeze is within the 7-day window.

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on May 7 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
A
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
AC Wendy Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Acorn Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 2 – Aug 22
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Aji Amarillo Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Aji Dulce Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 8
Alaska Early Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 15
Alaska Early Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Albion Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Apr 2 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 2 – Jul 12
All Season Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 22
All Sweet Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 17
All Year Round lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 10 – Jun 19
All Year Round (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 6
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
All Year Round Cauliflower (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Allstar Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Amarillo Oro Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21
Amarillo Yellow Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
America lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 1
America (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 3 – Aug 14
Anaheim Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 6 – Aug 14
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Angelica herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 5
Anise herb May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower May 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Anna Russian Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30
Armenian Cucumber cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Jul 23
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 20
Ashley Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Astro Arugula lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 17
Astro Arugula (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 3
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 11
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable May 7 Plant Out Jul 16 – Aug 5
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9
Autumn King Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Autumn King Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
B
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Aug 5
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 26
Bachelor's button edible flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Banana Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12
Banana Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 6
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Barletta, Pearly White Onions (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Basil Herb Mix herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 2
Bay Laurel herb May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Aug 12 – Aug 27
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Beauty Pink Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Beauty Purple Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Beauty White Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Bee Balm flower May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 14
Beit Alpha Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 18
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Big Beef Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30
Big Bertha Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Aug 6 – Aug 9
Big Boy Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 7
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
Big Max Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 6 – Sep 11
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 24
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 29 – Sep 8
Bitter melons vegetable May 7 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 19
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable May 7 Plant Out Jul 21 – Aug 5
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Apr 20 May 18 Transplant Jul 2 – Jul 12
Black Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 24 – Aug 4
Black Diamond Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12
Black From Tula Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 21 Transplant May 28 – Jun 2
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens (fall planting) microgreen Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 6
Black Pearl Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25
Black Salsify root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 23
Black Seeded Simpson (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 9
Black-Eyed Pea legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 18 – Jul 23
Black-Eyed Susan flower May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Blonde de Paris (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Blondkopfchen Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 29 – Sep 8
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 29
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 15
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Blue Curled Scotch (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Blue Flax Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 11
Blue Lake Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 19 – Jul 28
Bluecrop Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Bluegold Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blueray Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Bok Choy lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Bok Choy (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Boltardy Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Borage flower May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 21
Borlotti Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Bouquet Dill herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 12 – Jun 27
Bouquet Dill (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Brilliant Celeriac root vegetable Mar 26 May 7 Transplant Aug 25 – Sep 4
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 10
Broadleaf Classic lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Broadleaf Classic (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Broccolini brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 30
Broccolini (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 12 – Jul 22
Brussels Sprouts brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Sep 8
Buckwheat cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
Bull's Blood Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Bull's Blood Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12
Burgundy Boston lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Burgundy Boston (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Bush Pickle Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 6
Buttercrunch lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 23 – Jun 1
Buttercrunch (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 11
Butterhead Lettuce (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Butternut Squash squash Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 29 – Sep 18
C
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 12
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Calabrese Broccoli (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Calendula flower May 7 Plant Out Jun 26 – Jul 6
Calendula (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
California Bluebell flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
California Bluebell (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
California Wonder Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Aug 8 – Aug 11
Calypso Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 23 – Aug 12
Calypso Cilantro herb May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 1
Calypso Cilantro (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Canary Yellow lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Canary Yellow (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Cantaloupe melon Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Caraway herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Carentan Leeks allium Apr 2 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 11
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 24 – Sep 18
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Carmello Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
Carmen Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 16
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 17
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 22
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 30
Caserta Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18
Casper Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30
Catmint herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cayenne Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 24
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 1
Chadwick's Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 19
Champion Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Champion Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Chandler Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chandler Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chantenay Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16
Chantenay Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 30
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Chayote squash vegetable May 21 May 21 Transplant Sep 18 – Sep 27 (before frost)
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 14
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 12
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 13
Cherry Belle Radish (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Chervil herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 21 – May 31
Chervil (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 8
Chicago Hardy Fig berry May 21 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chinese 5-Color Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica Apr 7 Direct Sow May 7 – May 27
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27 – Jul 17
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28
Chioggia Beet root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 18
Chioggia Beet (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Chives herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 9
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Sep 3
Chocolate Stripes Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9
Christmas Lima Bean legume May 10 May 17 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 15
Cinderella Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 1
Cinnamon Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Clasping Coneflower flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Classic Cumin herb May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 7
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable May 7 Plant Out Jul 1 – Jul 10
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Common Sage herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Concord grape vines berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 17
Contender Bush Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 8
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Copenhagen Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 28
Cosmic Purple Carrot (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Cosmos flower May 7 Plant Out Jul 16 – Aug 5
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Costoluto Genovese Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
County Fair Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 5
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Creole Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Crimson Clover cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Aug 5
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 6
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon May 7 Plant Out Jul 26 – Aug 5
Crisphead lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 21
Crisphead (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Crosby's Egyptian Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Crosne tubers root vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cuban Oregano herb May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 6
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Apr 30 May 28 Transplant Jan 23, 2027 – Mar 24, 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Curly Kale lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 11
Curly Kale (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Curly Parsley herb Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Curly Parsley (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Cylindra Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6
Cylindra Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
D
Daikon Radishes root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 8
Daikon Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Dandelion herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Aug 1 – Aug 11
Danvers Carrot root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 23 – Aug 2
Danvers Carrot (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 22 – Jul 7
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Dark Green Romaine lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 16
Dark Green Romaine (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Dark Green Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2
Dark Opal Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Aug 4
Datil peppers pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 8
Delica kabocha squash squash May 7 May 21 Transplant Aug 24 – Sep 8
Delicata Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 2 – Aug 22
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 15
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 15
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 13
Detroit Dark Red Beet (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 8
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Di Cicco Broccoli (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Dill herb May 7 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jul 1
Dill (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Diva Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 11
Dolce Fresca Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Dragon Tongue Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 13
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 1
Dukat Dill herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 12
Dukat Dill (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Duke Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jul 8 – Aug 7
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable May 21 May 28 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 27
E
Earliglow Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 12 – Jul 22
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 30
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Early Purple Broccoli (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Early Wonder Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26
Early Wonder Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 8
Easter Egg Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 26
Echinacea flower May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 28 – Aug 17
Egg Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Eight Ball Zucchini squash May 14 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 8
Elephant Garlic root vegetable Sep 6 Plant Out Mar 5, 2027 – May 4, 2027
Elliott Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 18
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Endive / Escarole lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 11
Endive / Escarole (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
English Lavender herb Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender (companion planting) flower May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English Thyme herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English White Daisy Flowers flower Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 18
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13
Evergreen Bunching Onions root vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Evergreen Parsley herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 2 – Jul 17
F
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 29
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Aug 7 – Aug 22
Fava Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 28 – Aug 22
Fenugreek herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant May 28 – Jun 12
Fenugreek (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Sep 18
Fish Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Five Star Grape Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 22
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Aug 5
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
Florida Broadleaf lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Florida Broadleaf (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Florida Giant Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Fordhook Giant lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Fordhook Giant (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Fort Laramie Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Fortex Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Foxglove Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 11
French Breakfast Radish (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 22
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
French Lamb's Lettuce (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
French Marigold flower May 7 Plant Out Jun 26 – Jul 6
French Red Shallots allium Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jul 8 – Aug 7
French Tarragon herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Fresno Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Full Heart Batavian lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
G
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Aug 5
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Aug 4
Garlic root vegetable Nov 1 Nov 8 Transplant Jul 6 – Aug 5
Garlic Chives herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Genovese Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 17
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 26
Georgia Southern Collard Greens (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
German Chamomile herb May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 11
German Chamomile (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
German Johnson Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 14
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 10
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Apr 2 Apr 23 Transplant Aug 1 – Aug 6
Giant Red lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Giant Red (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 8
Ginger root vegetable Apr 30 May 28 Transplant Jan 23, 2027 – Mar 24, 2027
Glacier Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 18
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 26
Globe Gilia Flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22
Gochugaru Korean Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 4
Gold Rush Zucchini squash May 14 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 3
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Golden Acre Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 4
Golden Beet root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 18
Golden Beet (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18
Golden Celery vegetable Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Golden Detroit Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Golden Detroit Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Golden Globe Turnips root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Golden Globe Turnips (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 9
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Grano Red Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Grano White Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Greek Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Greek Oregano herb May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Arrow Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 25
Green Arrow Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Green Cabbage brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Aug 29
Green Envy Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 13
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Green Grape Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 7
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 1
Green Ice lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Green Ice (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 8
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
Green Onion vegetable May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Purslane vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 18 – Jul 3
Green shiso leaves herb Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Green Wave lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Green Wave (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 8
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 7
Gypsy Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 1
H
H-19 Little Leaf Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 10 – Jul 15
Habanero Pepper pepper Apr 16 May 28 Transplant Aug 26 – Sep 25
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 6
Hailstone Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Aug 5
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 11
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 20
Harris Model Parsnips root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Harvester Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Hatch Green Chile (NM 6-4) Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 12 – Aug 22
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume May 10 May 17 Transplant Jul 17 – Jul 26
Herb Fennel herb May 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Heritage Raspberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Hillbilly Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 8
Holland Red Shallots allium Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jul 8 – Aug 7
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 14
Honeoye Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Honey Bee Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Honeycrisp apple trees berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horehound Herb herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Hot Pink (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
I
Iceberg lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 21
Iceberg (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27 – Jul 2
Igloo Cauliflower (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Improved Meyer Lemon berry May 21 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Sep 4 – Sep 27 (before frost)
Indigo Rose Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 19
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 28
Italian Oregano herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
J
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 12 – Sep 1
Jacob's Cattle beans legume May 14 Direct Sow Aug 2 – Aug 12
Jade Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Japanese Eggplant vegetable May 7 Plant Out Jun 26 – Jul 11
Jaune Flamme Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9
Jersey Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jet Star Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 1
Jewel Strawberries berry Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Aug 16 – Aug 26
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Jubilee Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 17
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 19 – Jul 21
K
Kagraner Sommer lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 4
Kagraner Sommer (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 21
Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil) herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 25
King Arthur Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 4
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume May 10 May 17 Transplant Aug 13 – Aug 20
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16
Kuroda Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
L
Lacinato Kale lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 11
Lacinato Kale (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 21
Lacy Phacelia Flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Leaf Lettuce Mix (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 28
Leek vegetable May 7 Plant Out Aug 15 – Sep 14
Legacy Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Balm herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Cucumber cucumber May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – Jul 16
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Sep 3
Lemon Mint Herb herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Verbena herb May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Licorice Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Lima Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Aug 2
Lime Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Little Fingers Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1
Little Fingers Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Little Gem lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 2
Little Gem (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 19
Little Marvel Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 18
Little Marvel Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 26
Lollo Bionda lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Lollo Bionda (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Lollo Rossa lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 30 – Jun 2
Lollo Rossa (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 19
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4
Lovage Herb herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 31
Luffa gourds vegetable Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 29 – Sep 18
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Lunar White Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 27
M
Magenta Sunset lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Magenta Sunset (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Mammoth Dill herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 27
Mammoth Dill (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 29
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 7
Mammoth Sunflower flower May 7 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 26
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 25
Mara des Bois Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Mariachi Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 4
Marion Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Marketer Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Marvel of Four Seasons (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 25
Matador Viking (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 11
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Maxibel Filet Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 22 – Jul 7
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop (fall planting) cover crop Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Mesclun Mix lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 7
Mesclun Mix (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Michihili Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25
Michihili Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Mizuna lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Mizuna (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Monstrueux de Viroflay (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 22
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 22
Morris Heading lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jun 26
Morris Heading (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 14
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 1 – Aug 4
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 24
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 28 – Jul 30
Mugwort herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Mustard Greens lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 12 – May 27
Mustard Greens (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 30
N
Nagami Kumquat berry May 21 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 15 – Jul 28
Nantes Carrot (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 12 Direct Sow Sep 25
Napa Cabbage brassica Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jul 6
Napoletano Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4
Nasturtium flower May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 11
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber May 7 Plant Out Jun 26 – Jul 4
New England Aster Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Aug 19
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
New Zealand Spinach (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Noble Giant lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 23 – May 27
Noble Giant (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Aug 5
Northblue Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Northland Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Nutri-Red Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
O
OG American Flag Leeks allium Apr 2 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22 – Aug 1
Old Fashion lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Old Fashion (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Orange lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Orange (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Sep 3
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25 – Jun 29
Oregon Giant Snow Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 7
Oregon Spring Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 30
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 15 – Jun 23
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 1
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
P
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Sep 6 – Sep 16
Padron Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 1
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Paris Market Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Paris Market Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
Parsnip root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Aug 22 – Sep 21
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Patriot Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pattypan Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Jun 30 – Jul 8
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 7
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Peppermint herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pepperoncini Pepper pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Pesto Perpetuo Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Aug 19
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jul 6
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage (fall planting) cover crop Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 19
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 24
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 1
Pink Delicious Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 13
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Jul 23
Pistou Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 25
Plains Coreopsis flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
Poblano Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Poona Kheera Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 18
Popcorn vegetable May 7 Direct Sow Jul 31 – Sep 4
Potato onion clusters root vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Premier lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Premier (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 4
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 17
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 25
Provider Bush Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 8
Purple Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 14
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
Purple Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Purple Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Purple Haze Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 19
Purple Haze Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 6
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 6
Purple Plum Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Aug 29
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Pápalo leaves herb May 7 Direct Sow Jul 16 – Jul 26
Q
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 15
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
Quinault Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
R
Radicchio lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jul 1
Rainbow Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 27 – Sep 6
Rainbow Mix lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Rainbow Mix (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 21 Transplant May 27 – May 31
Rambo Radish Microgreens (fall planting) microgreen Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 4
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 7 – Jul 2
Rapeseed Cover Crop (fall planting) cover crop Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Rapini Broccoli Raab (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Raspberry Shortcake berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 5
Red Acre Cabbage (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 13
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Red Burgundy Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Aug 25 – Sep 4
Red Cabbage brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Sep 8
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Sep 3
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Apr 23 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Red Leaf Lettuce (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Aug 12 – Sep 1
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Robin Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 15
Red Romaine lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 16
Red Romaine (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Red Rubin Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 1
Red Russian Kale lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Red Russian Kale (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Apr 30 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 2
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 16
Rhubarb vegetable May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Roma II Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 12
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Romaine Lettuce lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 21
Romaine Lettuce (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Roman Chamomile herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Romanesco brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 29
Romano Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 21
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Oct 11 – Nov 10
Rosemary herb May 21 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 28
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 29
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Ruby Red lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Ruby Red (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Rue herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russian Tarragon herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Rutgers Tomato tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
S
Sakura Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
Salad Bowl Green lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 26 – May 27
Salad Bowl Green (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Salad Burnet herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Salad Bush Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 10 – Jul 11
San Andreas Strawberries berry Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato May 14 May 21 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 27
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 17 – Jul 2
Scarlet Flax Flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Scarlet Runner Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Shallot vegetable May 7 Plant Out Aug 5 – Sep 4
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Apr 2 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 23
Shelling Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Shishito Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 28 Transplant Jul 27 – Aug 1
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 2 – Jun 17
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Siberian Dwarf lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Siberian Dwarf (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Signet marigold edible flowers flower May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 11
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 7
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Slenderette Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 10
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 16
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 3
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 20
Snow Crown Cauliflower (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Snow Pea legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 5 – Jul 23
Snow Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Snow White Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Snow White Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Soapwort flower Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Softneck Garlic root vegetable Sep 6 Plant Out May 4, 2027 – Jun 3, 2027
Solar Yellow Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Solar Yellow Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Southport Red Globe Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Southport White Globe Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Jul 18
Spaghetti Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 10 – Aug 22
Spanish Sweet White Onions root vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Aug 25 – Sep 4
Sparkle Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 6
Sparkler Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 24
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Spearmint herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 14 May 21 Transplant May 29 – Jun 4
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens (fall planting) microgreen Jul 25 Direct Sow Aug 8
Spicy Globe Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30
St. Valery Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16
St. Valery Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Stevia herb May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Jul 18
Stupice Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 11
Sugar Ann Snap Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 19
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 12 – Sep 1
Sugar Snap Pea legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 23
Sugar Snap Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 26 Direct Sow Oct 4
Summer Bibb lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Summer Bibb (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Sep 4 – Sep 27 (before frost)
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 20
Summer Savory herb May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 17
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 17 – Jul 25
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
SunChocola Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Sungella Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 30
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Aug 17 – Aug 22
Sunspot Sunflowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 23
Surecrop Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Suyo Long Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Sweet Alyssum flower May 7 Plant Out Jun 16 – Jul 1
Sweet Marjoram herb Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Sweet Success Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 7 – Jul 11
Sweet Treats Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Sweet Woodruff herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Swiss Chard (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
T
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable May 7 Plant Out Aug 15 – Sep 14
Tango lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 9 – May 17
Tango (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 3
Tansy herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tasty Jade Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 7
Tatsoi lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 2 – May 22
Tatsoi (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 8
Tavera Filet Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 7
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 21
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Tendergreen lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Tendergreen (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 18
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Tendersweet Carrots root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 16
Tendersweet Carrots (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Aug 17
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Sep 18 – Sep 27 (before frost)
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 10
Thai Basil herb Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 9
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume May 10 May 17 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Tiger Eye Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Aug 2 – Aug 12
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 30
Tiny Tim Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
Tom Thumb lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 16
Tom Thumb (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Tom Watson Watermelon melon May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
Tomatillo vegetable May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – Jul 31
Tongue of Fire Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Aug 17
Top Crop Bush Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Top Hat Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Toro Blueberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 28
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Sep 18
Tristar Strawberry berry May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
True Watercress vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 25 – Jul 30
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 19
Turnip root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 13
Turnip (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Tuscany Black lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
Tuscany Black (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
U
Upland Cress vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
V
Vates Collard lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
Vates Collard (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 8
Vates Kale lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Vates Kale (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 18
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Vermont Cranberry Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 18 – Aug 17
Verona Red lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 8
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Apr 2 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 20
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Vienna White Kohlrabi (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Vietnamese Coriander herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 6
Vietnamese Coriander (fall planting) herb Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Mar 19 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 22 – Jul 2
Viola and pansy edible flowers (fall planting) flower Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 3
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 27
Violetta Purple Cauliflower (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 9 – Aug 19
W
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 19
Wando Pea legume Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 18 – Jun 23
Wando Pea (fall planting) legume Jul 25 Direct Sow Oct 1
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 18
Watermelon Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
Wautoma Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
White Boston lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
White Boston (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 4
White clover living mulch cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
White Detroit Beets (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
White Icicle Radishes (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 3
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 11
White Lisbon Bunching Onions (fall planting) root vegetable Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 28
White Marrow Summer Squash squash May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 7
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Winner Kohlrabi (fall planting) brassica Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Winter Density lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 31 – Jun 6
Winter Density (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 23
Winter Giant lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
Winter Giant (fall planting) lettuce Jul 25 Direct Sow Sep 13
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop May 7 Direct Sow Nov 3 – Dec 13
Winter Savory herb May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Wisconsin SMR 58 Cucumbers cucumber May 14 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 11
Witloof White lettuce Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 22 – Aug 14
Wormwood herb Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Y
Yard Long Bean legume May 14 Direct Sow Jul 13 – Aug 12
Yarrow flower May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash May 14 Direct Sow Jul 3 – Jul 13
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 4 – Aug 14
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Aug 14 – Aug 19
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 30 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 22 – Jul 22
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jul 30 – Aug 9
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable May 14 Direct Sow Aug 2 – Aug 22
Z
Zinnia flower May 7 Plant Out Jul 6 – Aug 5

Browse Zone 5A by Month

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

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 season and wide last-frost variability 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

Seed starting tray + heat mat

Critical

For crops started indoors before transplanting, this tray-and-mat combo improves germination consistency. Bottom heat speeds and evens germination; warm-season crops in particular want it, while cool-season transplants germinate fine at the lower end of the range. Look for a rigid tray, cell inserts with drainage, and a mat paired with a thermostat.

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

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are Amazon affiliate links -- if you buy through them, SoilStack earns a small commission 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 NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (dataset gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619; methodology Palecki et al. 2021), aggregated across 2,257 ZIP codes in Zone 5A. First fall frost is aggregated the same way as spring, from NOAA element ANN-TMIN-PRBFST-T32F. Growing season is NOAA's own published normal (ANN-TMIN-PRBGSL-T32F), measured per year and then averaged — not the gap between the two dates above, which is a slightly different quantity. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.