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USDA Zone 5B

Zone 5B Planting Calendar — May 4 to October 26

Zone 5b offers reliable four-season weather with a growing season of approximately 165–180 days. Last frost typically clears by mid-April, giving gardeners a productive window through late October. Starting warm-season crops indoors and choosing early-maturing varieties makes the most of the season.

Zone 5B at a glance: Last frost averages May 4 (range April 20 to May 18). First fall frost averages October 26. Growing season is 192 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after May 4.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
May 4
range April 20 to May 18
First Fall Frost
October 26
Range: Oct 10 – Nov 10
Growing Season
192 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
-15° to -10°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Kansas City, MO
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
42"
Regular pattern

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 5B

Computed across 2,580 ZIP codes in Zone 5B · 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 5B, the last spring frost most likely lands on May 4. There's a 10% chance it could happen as late as May 18, and a 10% chance it's already done by April 20. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 2,580 ZIP codes in Zone 5B.
Earliest (10% by)
Apr 20
10% chance frost is done by this date
Typical (50% by)
May 4
50% chance frost is done by this date
Latest (90% by)
May 18
90% chance frost is done by this date
Zone 5B last-frost probability curve Cumulative probability curve showing the likelihood that the last spring frost has occurred by each date in Zone 5B. P10 (10% probability) is April 20, P50 (50%, the median) is May 4, P90 (90%) is May 18. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals. 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Mar 31 Apr 11 Apr 23 May 4 May 15 May 27 Jun 7 Probability (%) Date P10: Apr 20 P50: May 4 P90: May 18
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 5B, 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 5B specifically, this composite was aggregated across 2,580 contributing ZIP codes (of 2,865 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 20) — 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 4) — the median. Half of historical years had their last frost on or before this date. This is the “Typical” reference.
  • P90 (May 18) — 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 5B 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 5B Planting Calendar — All Crops

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

Browse Zone 5B by Month

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

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

Zone 5B Growing Tips

States in Zone 5B

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

Iowa Illinois (north) Indiana (north) Ohio (north) Pennsylvania (mountains) Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island Nebraska (east)

What works well in Zone 5B

Zone 5b's 192-day season runs through volatile spring and fall shoulders (last-frost range March 30 to May 5) with humid 90°F summers driving disease pressure. The practical strategy is controlled early planting, soil warming for heat-loving crops, drip irrigation, and supports that keep foliage off wet ground.

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.

Plastic mulch for warm-season tomato beds

High

UMN Extension recommends plastic mulch to warm soil for heat-loving crops and reports that red mulch has improved tomato yields by changing the quality of light reflected into the canopy, while black mulch also warms the root zone and suppresses weeds.

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.

Drip irrigation / soaker hose kit

High

Every gardener benefits from putting water at the root zone instead of on the leaves, because drip and soaker systems reduce foliar disease pressure by limiting leaf wetness and soil splash. A quality kit should include a backflow preventer, filter, pressure reducer, and UV-resistant tubing.

Source: Iowa State University Extension; Colorado State University Extension; UMass Extension

Budget Quick-Connect Drip Starter Kit Right-sized for 1-2 raised beds. Quick-connect fittings, adjustable nozzles, and 1/2" + 1/4" tubing included. 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 Complete Garden Drip Irrigation Kit Designed for beginners with a step-by-step setup guide. Adjustable emitters, both tubing sizes, and all connectors included. 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 Landscape Drip Irrigation Kit Professional-grade from the company that builds irrigation systems for golf courses and farms. Includes drippers, micro-bubblers, and micro-sprays. 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.

Heavy-duty tomato cage

High

University of Maryland Extension says most gardeners prefer staking, trellising, or caging tomatoes because it uses less space, reduces fruit rots, makes harvesting easier, and increases yield per garden area; Clemson Extension adds that cages improve air circulation and reduce disease spread. For indeterminate tomatoes that keep elongating and setting fruit all season, a heavy cage is a structural need, not just a convenience, because it keeps foliage and fruit off the soil while supporting continuous vertical growth.

Source: University of Maryland Extension; Clemson Cooperative Extension

Budget Round Heavy-Duty Tomato Cage (55") Steel core, 4-post design with snap assembly. A real cage for one plant — not the flimsy green cones that collapse under fruit weight. 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 Square Tomato Cages (4-pack, 60") 5-foot square cages with adjustable height. Includes 40 plant clips. Square design gives better stability than round for heavy indeterminate varieties. 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 Lifetime Tomato Cages (set of 4) Heavy gauge steel from the Vermont garden brand founded in 1983. No assembly, no rust, no replacement. The last tomato cages you buy. 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 2,580 ZIP codes in Zone 5B. Growing season data from University of Missouri Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.