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USDA Zone 5A

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — May 7 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 May 7 (range April 23 to May 21). First fall frost averages October 12. Growing season is 165 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after May 7.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
May 7
range April 23 to May 21
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

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 5A

Computed across 2,257 ZIP codes in Zone 5A · Composite generated May 21, 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
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.

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.

Limitations

30-year climate normals, not single-year forecast. These probabilities reflect the climatological baseline from 1991–2020. They tell you what’s likely in a typical year, not what the current year’s actual weather will do. For real-time frost risk in the next 7–10 days, consult the NWS forecast for your area.

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).

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 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
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
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Mar 26 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 5
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
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 Oro Melon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14
America lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 1
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
Angelica herb Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 19 – Jul 29
Anise herb Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24 – Aug 13
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 6
Astro Arugula lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Apr 28 – May 17
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Sep 4
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
B
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 19
Basil Herb Mix herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 26
Bay Laurel herb — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 5 – Aug 20
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 Perennial — see plant page
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 7
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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 Eggplant vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 14 – Jul 29
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Apr 13 May 11 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 5
Black Cherry Tomatoes 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 Salsify root vegetable Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 23
Black-Eyed Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 16
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 1
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 Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 4
Bok Choy lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Borage flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 14
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
Bouquet Dill herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 20
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
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 Perennial — see plant page
Broccolini brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 23
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
Brussels Sprouts brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Sep 1
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
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5
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
Butternut Squash squash Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 22 – Sep 11
C
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 5
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Calendula flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 29
California Bluebell flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 4
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 Cilantro herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jun 24
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
Canary Yellow lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Cantaloupe melon Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Caraway herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Carentan Leeks allium Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 15 – Aug 4
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
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 15
Caserta Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11
Casper Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23
Catmint herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cayenne Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 25
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
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
Chervil herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant May 14 – May 24
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21
Chioggia Beet root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 11
Chives herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 3
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Common Sage herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Concord grape vines berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Contender Bush Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jul 1
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
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
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
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
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
Crosne tubers root vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 30
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jan 16 2027 – Mar 17 2027
Cupid Grape Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
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
D
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 31 – Jun 10
Dandelion herb Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
Danvers Carrot root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 16 – Jul 26
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
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
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
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
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
Dill herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 24
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
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
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable May 14 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
E
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
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 Perennial — see plant page
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 root vegetable — Sep 14 Plant Out Mar 13 2027 – May 12 2027
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
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 Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender herb Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English Thyme herb Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English White Daisy Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
Evergreen Bunching Onions root vegetable Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Evergreen Parsley herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 10
F
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Jun 7 – Jun 22
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 31 – Aug 15
Fava Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 15
Fenugreek herb Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Sep 11
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Foxglove Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow May 28 – Jun 4
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 Perennial — see plant page
Fresno Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 2
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 6
G
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 28
Garlic root vegetable Oct 25 Nov 1 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
Garlic Chives herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
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
Ginger root vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Transplant Jan 16 2027 – Mar 17 2027
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
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Apr 2 Apr 16 Transplant Jun 20
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 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
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
Grano Red Onions root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Grano White Onions root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28
Greek Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Greek Oregano herb — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Arrow Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 18
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 Perennial — see plant page
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 25
Green Ice lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Green Onion vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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 Wave lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Jul 31
H
Habanero Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 21 Transplant Aug 19 – Sep 18
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 30
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 12
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
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
Herb Fennel herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
Heritage Raspberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 1
Holland Red Shallots allium Mar 26 Apr 2 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 31
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
Honeycrisp apple trees berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horehound Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
I
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
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Oct 5 (before frost)
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Italian Oregano herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
J
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
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jul 4
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jewel Strawberries berry Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
K
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 4
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 18
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
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
L
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 Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 21
Leek vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Aug 8 – Sep 7
Lemon Balm herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 9
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Lemon Mint Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Verbena herb — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
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
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
Lovage Herb herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 4 – Jul 24
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
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 19
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 20
M
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
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
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 6
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 25
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
Midnight Snack Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Mizuna lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – May 27
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
Morris Heading lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jun 26
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
Mugwort herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Mustard Greens lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 12 – May 27
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 30
N
Nagami Kumquat berry — May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 8 – Jul 21
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 Perennial — see plant page
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
Noble Giant lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 23 – May 27
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 29
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 12 – Sep 11
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 14
O
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 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
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
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Jul 26 – Aug 5
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
P
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 Market Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 24
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 Perennial — see plant page
Pattypan Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 23 – Jul 1
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 19 – Jun 29
Peppermint herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pepperoncini Pepper 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 13 – Jul 23
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 29 – Aug 18
Plains Coreopsis flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 9
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
Popcorn vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 24 – Aug 28
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
Premier lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
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
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 10
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 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 Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant May 28 – May 30
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
Pápalo leaves herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 19
Q
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 24 – Aug 8
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15 – Sep 4
R
Radicchio lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jul 1
Rainbow Corn vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 20 – Aug 30
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 Transplant May 20 – May 24
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
Raspberry Shortcake berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Mar 26 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 28
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Red Burgundy Onions root vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 18 – Aug 28
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 Lake currant shrubs berry Apr 16 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 22 – Jun 1
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 Perennial — see plant page
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 Perennial — see plant page
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
Rhubarb vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 21
Roman Chamomile herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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 – Oct 5 (before frost)
Rosemary herb — May 14 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
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 Perennial — see plant page
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russian Tarragon herb Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Rutgers Tomato tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
S
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 26 – May 27
Salad Burnet herb Apr 16 Apr 23 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Andreas Strawberries berry Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
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
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Shallot vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Aug 28
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Mar 26 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 16
Shishito Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 21 Transplant Jul 20 – Jul 25
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Apr 9 Apr 16 Transplant May 26 – Jun 10
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Signet marigold edible flowers flower May 7 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jul 29 – Jul 31
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
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 Perennial — see plant page
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Snow Pea legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jun 28 – Jul 16
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
Soapwort flower Apr 16 May 7 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Softneck Garlic root vegetable — Sep 14 Plant Out May 12 2027 – Jun 11 2027
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
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Spaghetti Squash squash — May 7 Direct Sow Aug 3 – Aug 15
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 Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 7 May 14 Transplant May 22 – May 28
St. Valery Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Stevia herb — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Apr 23 May 7 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant May 31 – Jun 4
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 Bibb lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 1 – Jun 6
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Aug 28 – Oct 5 (before frost)
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 Perennial — see plant page
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
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet Alyssum flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 24
Sweet Marjoram herb Apr 9 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Aug 5
Sweet Million Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet Woodruff herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 6
T
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
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 Perennial — see plant page
Tatsoi lettuce Mar 19 Apr 2 Transplant Apr 27 – May 17
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 lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 17 – May 27
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 Carrots root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 9
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 10
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Sep 11 – Oct 5 (before frost)
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jul 14 – Aug 3
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 Tomatoes tomato Apr 16 May 14 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 8
Tom Thumb lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 16
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 31
Tomatillo vegetable — Apr 30 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 24
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 1
Top Hat Blueberry berry — May 7 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
True Watercress vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomatoes 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
Tuscany Black lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
U
Upland Cress vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
V
Vates lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow May 27 – Jun 1
Vates lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 21
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
Verona Red lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 8
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Mar 26 Apr 16 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
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
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Apr 23 May 14 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 12
W
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Apr 9 May 14 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 12
Wando Pea legume Apr 2 Apr 9 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Watermelon Radishes 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
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 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 Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Aug 15
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Apr 23 Apr 30 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Apr 30 May 7 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
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
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
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
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop May 7 May 14 Transplant Nov 10 – Dec 20
Witloof White lettuce — Apr 7 Direct Sow Jul 22 – Aug 14
Wormwood herb Apr 9 Apr 30 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Y
Yard Long Bean legume — May 7 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Aug 5
Yarrow flower — Apr 30 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
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
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
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
Z
Zinnia flower — Apr 30 Plant Out 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 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 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 Heavy Crop Protection Cover (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 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 Seedling 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 Heavy-Duty Seed 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 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

Budget Seeding Straw 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 Cleaned Wheat Straw Mulch (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs) 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 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.
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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. 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.