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USDA Zone 6B

Zone 6B Planting Calendar — April 23 to October 28

Zone 6b enjoys a long growing season with last frost typically clearing in mid-April and first frost arriving in late October. The 185–195-day window supports a wide variety of crops, and mild spring weather makes this zone particularly rewarding for cool-season vegetables direct-sown outdoors as early as late March.

Zone 6B at a glance: Last frost averages April 23 (range April 9 to May 10). First fall frost averages October 28. Growing season is 196 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after April 23.
Updated May 13, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
Last Spring Frost
April 23
range April 9 to May 10
First Fall Frost
October 28
Range: Oct 14 – Nov 12
Growing Season
196 days
Avg. frost-free window
Winter Low
-5° to 0°F
Average minimum temp
Reference City
Richmond, VA
Climate data source
Annual Rainfall
44"
Regular pattern

NOAA Frost Probability for Zone 6B

Computed across 4,562 ZIP codes in Zone 6B · 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 6B, the last spring frost most likely lands on April 23. There's a 10% chance it could happen as late as May 10, and a 10% chance it's already done by April 9. These probabilities come from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals, weighted across every NOAA station serving the 4,562 ZIP codes in Zone 6B.
Earliest (10% by)
Apr 9
10% chance frost is done by this date
Typical (50% by)
Apr 23
50% chance frost is done by this date
Latest (90% by)
May 10
90% chance frost is done by this date
Zone 6B last-frost probability curve Cumulative probability curve showing the likelihood that the last spring frost has occurred by each date in Zone 6B. P10 (10% probability) is April 9, P50 (50%, the median) is April 23, P90 (90%) is May 10. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals. 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Mar 20 Apr 1 Apr 13 Apr 25 May 6 May 18 May 30 Probability (%) Date P10: Apr 9 P50: Apr 23 P90: May 10
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 6B, 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 6B specifically, this composite was aggregated across 4,562 contributing ZIP codes (of 5,263 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 9) — 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 (Apr 23) — the median. Half of historical years had their last frost on or before this date. This is the “Typical” reference.
  • P90 (May 10) — 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 6B 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 6B Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on April 23 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
Alaska Early Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 19 – May 24
All Year Round lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 24 – Jun 2
America lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 3 – May 15
Astro Arugula lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 11 – Apr 30
Black Salsify root vegetable Mar 11 Mar 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 6
Blonde de Paris lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 12
Blue Curled Scotch lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 15 – May 20
Bok Choy lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 20
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 18
Broadleaf Classic lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Burgundy Boston lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 15
Buttercrunch lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 6 – May 15
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 25
Canary Yellow lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Caraway herb Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 29 – May 31
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Mar 11 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 8
Chervil herb Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Apr 29 – May 9
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 20 – May 10
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb Root vegetable Mar 11 Mar 18 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Crisphead lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 28 – Jun 4
Curly Kale lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 15 – May 25
Dandelion herb Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Dark Green Romaine lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – May 30
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 19 – May 24
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 19 – May 24
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Dutch Yellow Shallots allium Mar 11 Mar 18 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 16
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Mar 11 Mar 25 Transplant May 29 – Jun 8
Endive / Escarole lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 25
Florida Broadleaf lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Fordhook Giant lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
French Red Shallots allium Mar 11 Mar 18 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 16
Full Heart Batavian lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 19
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 9
Giant Imperial Mix Larkspur Flowers flower Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 23
Giant Red lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5
Green Arrow Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 29 – Jun 3
Green Ice lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5
Green Wave lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 28
Holland Red Shallots allium Mar 11 Mar 18 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 16
Hot Pink lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Iceberg lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 28 – Jun 4
Kagraner Sommer lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 18
Lacinato Kale lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – May 25
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
Little Gem lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 16
Little Marvel Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 24 – May 27
Lollo Bionda lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Lollo Rossa lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 13 – May 16
Magenta Sunset lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 15 – May 20
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 1 – Jun 7
Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 20
Matador Viking lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 8
Mesclun Mix lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 11 – Apr 20
Michihili Cabbage brassica Mar 11 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 3
Mizuna lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Monstrueux de Viroflay lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 10
Morris Heading lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Jun 4 – Jun 9
Mustard Greens lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 25 – May 10
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 13
Napa Cabbage brassica — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 30 – Jun 19
Noble Giant lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 6 – May 10
Old Fashion lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 10
Orange lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 3 – Jun 7
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 24 – Jun 1
Premier lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 22 – May 26
Radicchio lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 14
Rainbow Mix lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Mar 11 Mar 25 Transplant Jun 8 – Jun 13
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 15
Red Romaine lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – May 30
Red Russian Kale lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Romaine Lettuce lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 25 – Jun 4
Ruby Red lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 15 – May 20
Salad Bowl Green lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 9 – May 10
Siberian Dwarf lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 15
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 16 – May 20
Summer Bibb lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 15 – May 20
Swiss Chard lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 20
Tango lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 22 – Apr 30
Tatsoi lettuce Mar 4 Mar 18 Transplant Apr 12 – May 2
Tendergreen lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion root vegetable Feb 11 Mar 18 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Tom Thumb lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 30
Tuscany Black lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 4
Vates lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 10 – May 15
Vates lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 20 – Jun 4
Verona Red lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Jun 14 – Jun 21
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 19 – May 29
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 29
Wando Pea legume Mar 18 Mar 25 Transplant May 27 – Jun 1
White Boston lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Apr 30 – May 10
Winner Kohlrabi brassica — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 10
Winter Density lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 14 – May 20
Winter Giant lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow May 5 – May 10
Witloof White lettuce — Mar 21 Direct Sow Jul 5 – Jul 28
Abe Lincoln Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Ace 55 Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Acorn Squash squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 31
African Flake Daisy Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 24
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Mar 11 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 20
All Sorts Surprise Mix Sunflowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 31
All Sweet Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Amarillo Oro Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21
Amarillo Yellow Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 29
Amish Paste Tomatoes tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 12 – Jul 23
Anaheim Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 15 – Jul 23
Ancho Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Angelica herb Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13 – Sep 12
Anise herb Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 20
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Arroyo Lupine Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 29
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Atkinson Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 20
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 14
Autumn King Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 4
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14
Baby Blue Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 18
Banana Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21
Barletta, Pearly White Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 4
Basil Herb Mix herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 11
Bay Laurel herb — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beauregard Sweet Potato root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 5
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Bee Balm flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Apr 1 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Better Boy Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Big Jim Hatch Chile pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Big Max Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 15 – Aug 20
Big Rainbow Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Birds Eye Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Bitter melons vegetable Apr 15 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 28
Black Beauty Eggplant vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 29 – Jul 14
Black Beauty Zucchini squash Mar 29 Apr 26 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 20
Black Cherry Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 2 – Jul 13
Black Diamond Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21
Black Krim Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant May 6 – May 11
Black-Eyed Pea legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 26 – Jul 1
Black-Eyed Susan flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Bloody Butcher Corn vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 17
Blue Flax Flowers flower Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 19
Boltardy Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Bonny Best Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Borage flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 29
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Bouquet Dill herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 21 – Jun 5
Bradley Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Brandywine Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Brilliant Celeriac root vegetable Mar 4 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 3 – Aug 13
Broadleaf Sage Herb herb Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Broccolini brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 18 – Jul 8
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 30
Brussels Sprouts brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 17
Buckwheat cover crop — Apr 15 Plant Out May 15 – May 30
Bull's Blood Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 9
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21
Butternut Squash squash Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Cal Sweet Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 21
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Calendula flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 14
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Calypso Cilantro herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 9
Calypso Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Cantaloupe melon Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Cardoon (Purple Artichoke Thistle) vegetable Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Carentan Leeks allium Mar 11 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 20
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 27
Caribe Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Carolina Cross Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 26
Carolina Reaper peppers pepper Mar 18 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Caserta Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26
Casper Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8
Catmint herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cayenne Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Celebrity Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 10
Celeste Fig berry — Apr 29 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Champion Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Chantenay Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24
Chayote squash vegetable Apr 29 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 27 – Sep 26
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 23
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow May 13 – May 22
Cherry Bomb peppers pepper Mar 18 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Chicago Hardy Fig berry — Apr 29 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chinese Forget-Me-Not Flowers flower Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 25
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6
Chioggia Beet root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jun 26
Chives herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Chocolate Bell Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 18
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers flower Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Chocolate Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 12
Cinderella Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 10
Cinnamon Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 11
Clasping Coneflower flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Classic Cumin herb Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 20
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 16
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 9 – Jun 18
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11
Common Milkweed Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Common Sage herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Concord grape vines berry Apr 1 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Congo Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Contender Bush Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 6 – Jun 16
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Corno di Toro Pepper pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 19 – Jul 6
Cosmos flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 24 – Jul 14
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 29
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Creole Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Crimson Clover cover crop — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jul 14
Crimson Forest Bunching Onions root vegetable Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 4 – Jul 14
Crosby's Egyptian Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 14
Crosne tubers root vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Cupid Grape Tomato tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Curly Parsley herb Mar 11 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 4
Cylindra Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14
Daikon Radishes root vegetable Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 16 – May 26
Danish Ballhead Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 20
Danvers Carrot root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 1 – Jul 11
Dark Green Italian Giant Parsley herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 31 – Jun 15
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11
Datil peppers pepper Mar 18 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 17
Delica kabocha squash squash Apr 15 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 2 – Aug 17
Delicata Squash squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 31
Delicious Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jun 21
Devils Tongue Yellow Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 17
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Dill herb — Apr 15 Plant Out May 25 – Jun 9
Dragon Tongue Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jun 21
Drumhead Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 10
Dukat Dill herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 11 – May 21
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Early Girl Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 20 – Jun 30
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Early Wonder Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 13 – May 17
Echinacea flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 26
Egg Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 16
Emerald Giant Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Emerald Green Velvet Okra vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 26
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
English Lavender flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English Lavender Herb herb Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
English Thyme herb — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
English White Daisy Flowers flower Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Epazote herb Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Evening Sun Sunflowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21
Evergreen Bunching Onions root vegetable Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13
Evergreen Parsley herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 10 – Jun 25
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant May 23 – Jun 7
Fall Rutabagas root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 16 – Jul 31
Fava Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 6 – Jul 31
Fenugreek herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 6 – May 21
Firecracker Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 27
Flat-Leaf Parsley herb Mar 11 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Floradade Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Florida Giant Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
Florida Market Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Foxglove Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow May 13 – May 20
French Marigold flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 14
French Tarragon herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Fresno Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Gaillardia Annual Mix Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 14
Gardener's Delight Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 13
Garlic Chives herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Genovese Basil herb Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 8
Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
German Chamomile herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jun 19
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 4 – Jul 19
Giant Musselburgh Leeks allium Mar 11 Apr 1 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 15
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 4
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 6 – Jun 11
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 7 – Jul 13
Golden Beet root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jun 26
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26
Golden Celery vegetable Mar 18 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Golden Detroit Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 14
Golden Globe Turnips root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 30 – Jun 4
Golden Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Golden Marconi Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 18
Golden Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Grano Red Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13
Grano White Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13
Greek Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Greek Oregano herb — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Cabbage brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Aug 7
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Green Globe Artichoke vegetable Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Green Hubbard Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 10
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
Green Onion vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Green Purslane vegetable Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant May 27 – Jun 11
Green shiso leaves herb Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Green Striped Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Green Zebra Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 16
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 15
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 28
Hamburg Rooted Parsley herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 20
Harris Model Parsnips root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 14
Harvester Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Heart of Gold Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash squash Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Herb Fennel herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Rainbow Blend Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Heritage Raspberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Highbush Blueberries berry Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Holiday Marbles Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 17
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Homestead Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Honey Rock Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Honeydew Melon melon Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 22
Horehound Herb herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5 – Jun 10
Imperial Star Artichoke vegetable Mar 11 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 14 – Jul 24
Improved Meyer Lemon berry — Apr 29 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13 – Oct 12
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Apr 1 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy cherry tomatoes tomato Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Issai hardy kiwi vines berry Apr 1 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 6
Italian Oregano herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jack Be Little Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 10
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Jade Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Jalapeño Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Japanese Eggplant vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 19
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Jerusalem artichoke tubers root vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jewel Strawberries berry Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Jicama Mexican Yam Bean legume Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Sep 16 – Oct 6
Jubilee Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Jubilee Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Juliet Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 27 – Jun 29
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Kentucky Wonder Brown Pole Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 3
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 19 – Jul 1
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Apr 18 Apr 25 Transplant Jul 22 – Jul 29
King's Cure-All Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Kuroda Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 29
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Large Red Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 6
Leek vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 24 – Aug 23
Lemon Balm herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Cucumber cucumber — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jun 24
Lemon Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 12
Lemon Mint Herb herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lemon Verbena herb — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Lemongrass Herb herb Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 11
Licorice Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 11
Lima Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jul 11
Lime Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Little Fingers Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9
Long Green Louisiana Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Long Island Cheese Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Long Ping Tung Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 28
Long Purple Italian Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13
Lovage Herb herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 19 – Jul 9
Luffa gourds vegetable Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 7 – Aug 27
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Lunar White Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 4
Lunaria Silver Dollar Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Mammoth Dill herb Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 16 – Jun 5
Mammoth Sunflower flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 19 – Jul 4
Manitoba Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jul 3
Marglobe Improved Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Marglobe Supreme Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Marion Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 6
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Matt's Wild Cherry tomatoes tomato Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Maximillian Sunflowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
McKana Giants Mix Columbine Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 31 – Jun 15
Midnight Snack Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Money Maker Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Moon & Stars Red-Flesh Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Moon & Stars Yellow-Flesh Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 31
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 23
Mountain Magic Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 10 – Jul 13
Mr. Stripey Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 8
Mugwort herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Nagami Kumquat berry — Apr 29 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Nantes Carrot root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 23 – Jul 6
Nasturtium flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 19
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 4 – Jun 12
New England Aster Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
New Sunn Hemp Cover Crop cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 28
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 21
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14
Nopales pads vegetable Apr 29 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
NuMex Twilight Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Nutri-Red Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
OG American Flag Leeks allium Mar 11 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 10
Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Orange Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 12
Orange Horizon Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Orange Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 21
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pacific Giant Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 15 – Aug 25
Pandora Striped Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Paris Market Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 9
Paris Yellow Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
Parsnip root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 31 – Aug 30
Pasilla de Oaxaca Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Patio Princess Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Patriot Blueberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pattypan Squash squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 8 – Jun 16
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 16
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Peppermint herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Pepperoncini Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Phacelia California Bluebell/Desert Bluebell Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 19
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 28
Pimento Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Pineapple Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 2
Pink Banana Jumbo Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 10
Pink Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Mar 4 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 8
Pixie Delight Lupine Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 14 – Aug 3
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
Poblano Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Ponderosa Red Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Popcorn vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 9 – Aug 13
Potato onion clusters root vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Pretty Purple Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 13
Provider Bush Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 16
Purple Basil herb Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 23
Purple Beauty Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
Purple Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Purple Haze Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 27
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 13 – May 15
Purple Tiger Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 7
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Pápalo leaves herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jul 4
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jul 9 – Jul 24
Queensland Blue Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31 – Aug 20
Rainbow Corn vegetable Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Aug 5 – Aug 15
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant May 5 – May 9
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 16 – Jun 10
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jul 1
Red Burgundy Okra vegetable Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jun 28
Red Burgundy Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 3 – Aug 13
Red Cabbage brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Aug 17
Red Caribbean Habanero Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Aug 12
Red Cayenne Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Red Cherry Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Apr 1 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Red Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 13
Red Pontiac Potato root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 10
Red Prairie Mexican Hat Flowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jul 11
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jul 8
Rhubarb vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Rio Grande Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Roma II Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 20
Roma VF Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Roman Chamomile herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Romanesco brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Aug 7
Romano Pole Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 29
Roselle calyces and leaves vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Sep 19 – Oct 19
Rosemary herb — Apr 29 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 6
Round Mauve Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant May 23 – Jun 7
Rue herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Rutgers Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Salad Burnet herb Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Andreas Strawberries berry Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
San Marzano Tomatoes tomato Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 26
Santa Fe Grande Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 5
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 26 – Jun 10
Scarlet Runner Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Perennial — see plant page
Scarlet Sage Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Seascape Strawberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Serrano Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Shallot vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 14 – Aug 13
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Mar 11 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jul 1
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) vegetable Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 11 – May 26
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 3
Silver Queen Sweet Corn vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 14 – Jul 16
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 1 – Jul 11
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 18
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 13 – May 25
Smooth Blue Aster Flowers flower Apr 1 Apr 8 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 18 – Jun 28
Snow Pea legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 13 – Jul 1
Snow White Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
Soapwort flower Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Solar Yellow Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24 – Jun 29
Southport Red Globe Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13
Southport White Globe Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Spaghetti Squash squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 19 – Jul 31
Spanish Sweet White Onions root vegetable Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 3 – Aug 13
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 10 – May 15
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Spearmint herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant May 7 – May 13
St. Valery/James Scarlet Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24
Stevia herb — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 21 – Jun 26
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sugar Pie Pumpkin squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 21 – Aug 10
Sugar Snap Pea legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 16 – Jul 1
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Aug 13 – Oct 12
Summer Max Mix Cover Crop cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 28
Summer Savory herb Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Sun Gold Sunflowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 11 – Jul 26
Sun Gold Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 25 – Jul 3
Sunbright Yellow Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sunray Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sunshine Blue Blueberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Sunshine Kabocha Squash squash Apr 8 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 26 – Jul 31
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jul 1
Supersweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 3
Sweet 100 Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 3
Sweet Alyssum flower — Apr 15 Plant Out May 25 – Jun 9
Sweet Marjoram herb Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Sweet Million Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 3
Sweet Woodruff herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tabasco Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Tall Plains Golden Tickseed Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 14 – Jun 24
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jul 24 – Aug 23
Tansy herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tarragon Herb herb Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26 – Jun 29
Tendercrisp Celery vegetable Mar 18 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16 – Jul 31
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 26
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Tendersweet Carrots root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 24
Tendersweet Orange Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 21 – Jul 26
Tepin Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Aug 27 – Oct 21 (before frost)
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 19
Thai Basil herb Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 28 – Jul 3
Thai Hot Peppers pepper Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Thessaloniki Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 18
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Apr 18 Apr 25 Transplant Jun 29 – Jul 9
Thyme herb Mar 18 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tigerella Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 23 – Jul 8
Tiny Tim Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jun 13 – Jun 23
Tom Watson Watermelon melon Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
Tomatillo vegetable — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jul 9
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 11 – Jun 16
Top Hat Blueberry berry — Apr 22 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant May 22 – Jun 6
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers pepper Mar 18 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Aug 27
Tropical Milkweed Flowers flower Mar 25 Apr 22 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
True Watercress vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Tumbling Tom Red Tomato tomato Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 3 – Jul 8
Turkish Orange Eggplant vegetable Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Turnip root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 21
Upland Cress vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Velvet Queen Sunflowers flower Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 21
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Apr 1 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 16
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Mar 11 Apr 1 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Feb 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 31 – Jun 10
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Mar 18 Apr 1 Transplant Jun 5
VR Moscow Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 18 – Jul 28
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica Mar 25 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 28
Water spinach stems and leaves lettuce Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 15 – May 30
Watermelon Radish root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 26
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 26
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 4 – Jun 14
White Cherry Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
White Cloud Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 13
White clover living mulch cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
White Cushaw Crookneck Winter Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 31
White Detroit Beets root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 14
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 6 – Jul 11
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant May 15 – May 25
White Lisbon Bunching Onions root vegetable Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 19
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jul 16
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Apr 15 Apr 22 Transplant Jun 16 – Jun 21
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Apr 22 Apr 29 Transplant Oct 26 – Dec 5
Wormwood herb Mar 25 Apr 15 Transplant Perennial — see plant page
Yard Long Bean legume — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 21 – Jul 21
Yarrow flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Beefsteak Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jun 11 – Jun 21
Yellow Jalapeno (Caloro) Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Yellow Mushroom Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 13 – Jul 23
Yellow Oxheart Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 23 – Jul 28
Yellow Pear Tomatoes tomato Apr 8 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Yellow Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 28 – Aug 27
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Apr 8 Apr 15 Transplant Jun 9 – Jun 24
Yellow Sweet Blossom Clover Cover Crop cover crop Mar 25 Apr 1 Transplant May 31 – Jun 30
Yolo Wonder Sweet Peppers pepper Apr 1 Apr 29 Transplant Jul 8 – Jul 18
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable — Apr 22 Direct Sow Jul 11 – Jul 31
Zinnia flower — Apr 15 Plant Out Jun 14 – Jul 14
Banana Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 15
California Wonder Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 17 – Jul 20
Cubanelle Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 7 – Jul 15
Culinary Turmeric root vegetable Apr 8 May 6 Transplant Jan 1 2027 – Mar 2 2027
Dwarf Long Pod Okra vegetable Apr 29 May 6 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 5
Ginger root vegetable Apr 8 May 6 Transplant Jan 1 2027 – Mar 2 2027
Habanero Pepper pepper Mar 25 May 6 Transplant Aug 4 – Sep 3
Jimmy Nardello Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 25 – Aug 4
King Arthur Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 7 – Jul 13
Lunchbox Mini Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jun 30 – Jul 5
Padron Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 10
Shishito Peppers pepper Apr 1 May 6 Transplant Jul 5 – Jul 10
Elephant garlic bulbs root vegetable — Sep 30 Plant Out Mar 29 2027 – May 28 2027
Softneck Garlic root vegetable — Sep 30 Plant Out May 28 2027 – Jun 27 2027
Garlic root vegetable Oct 10 Oct 17 Transplant Jun 14 – Jul 14

Browse Zone 6B by Month

See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 6B.

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

Zone 6B Growing Tips

States in Zone 6B

Zone 6B spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.

Kansas (central) Missouri (south) Kentucky Tennessee (east) North Carolina (mountains) Virginia Maryland Delaware New Jersey New York City metro

What works well in Zone 6B

Zone 6b's 196-day season supports a wide crop set but its limiting factor is disease management. With 44 inches of annual rainfall, high humidity, and elevated tomato-family disease pressure, the priority shifts from frost protection to moisture and canopy control.

Drip irrigation / soaker hose kit

Critical

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 MIXC 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 CARPATHEN Complete Garden Drip 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 Rain Bird 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

Critical

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 ZeeDix 4-Pack Square Tomato Cages (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 Gardener's Supply Lifetime 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.

Mulch / landscape fabric

High

Nearly every garden benefits from mulch for weed suppression, moisture conservation, and soil temperature moderation. For most home gardeners, quality organic mulch is the better buy over landscape fabric.

Source: Penn State Extension; Wisconsin Horticulture; Illinois Extension

Budget EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch (1 cu ft, covers ~250 sq ft) Processed wheat straw with biodegradable tackifier for slope retention. The most-reviewed garden straw on Amazon (1.8K+ reviews). Covers about 250 square feet at proper 2 to 3 inch depth, which fits a typical home raised-bed setup. Apply after seedlings are established and soil has warmed. View on Amazon paid link SoilStack earns a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases at no extra cost to you. Commissions help keep the site free and ad-free. We only recommend products that match published extension-service specs. Best value HealthiStraw GardenStraw (3 cu ft, ~20 lbs cleaned wheat straw) Thoroughly cleaned wheat straw at 3 cubic feet, marketed specifically for vegetable gardens rather than animal bedding or decoration. Better per-pound economics than the 1 cu ft option, with the same extension-recommended material. Strong sales volume (2K+ bought past month) supports product consistency. 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 USA Pinestraw Long Needle Pine Straw (covers ~100 sq ft) Long-needle pine straw harvested in the US, premium type that decomposes more slowly than wheat straw. Pine straw is the regional preferred mulch in the humid Southeast (recommended by NC State, UF/IFAS, and Texas A&M extension) because it resists matting in heavy rain and stays in place better than chopped straw. Best for Zones 7a-9b vegetable 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.

Soil test kit

High

A soil test gives a baseline for pH and nutrient status so gardeners can add only what the soil actually needs. Prioritize a mail-in or lab-affiliated kit whenever possible because extension guidance notes that laboratory testing is more accurate than instant readers.

Source: University of Maryland Extension; Purdue Extension; Montana State University Extension

Budget Garden Tutor pH Test Strips Quick pH checks for regular monitoring. 100 strips with an AI-powered reader for easy results. 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 Rapitest 4-in-1 Soil Test Kit The home garden standard. Tests pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with a patented color comparator. 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 MySoil Professional Lab Test Mail-in lab analysis covering 13 nutrients plus pH. Includes custom fertilizer recommendations for your soil. 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.

Row cover / frost blanket

Medium

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

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

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

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Frost dates from NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (dataset gov.noaa.ncdc:C01619; methodology Palecki et al. 2021), aggregated across 4,562 ZIP codes in Zone 6B. Growing season data from Virginia Cooperative Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.