USDA Zone 3b planting calendar
In USDA Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around 05/20 and the first fall frost around 09/19, giving roughly a 121-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.
Last frost ~05/20
First frost ~09/19
~121-day season
11 NOAA stations
The year in Zone 3b
Jan—Feb4 tasksMar14 tasksApr26 tasksMay35 tasksJun28 tasksJul6 tasksAug1 taskSep1 taskOct1 taskNov—Dec—
What to plant now (August)
Radishes
Sow for fall harvest
All crops in Zone 3b
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant / sow | Sow for fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | April 19 – April 26 | May 24 – June 7 | — |
| Peppers | April 8 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Eggplant | April 12 – April 26 | May 31 – June 14 | — |
| Basil | April 19 | May 24 – June 7 | — |
| Broccoli | April 1 – April 8 | April 22 – May 6 | June 10 – June 24 |
| Cabbage | March 11 – March 25 | April 15 – April 29 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Cauliflower | March 25 – April 8 | April 29 – May 13 | June 15 – June 29 |
| Brussels Sprouts | March 18 – April 1 | April 22 – May 6 | — |
| Kale | March 11 – March 25 | April 15 – April 29 | June 20 – July 4 |
| Lettuce | March 22 – March 29 | April 19 – May 3 | June 5 – June 19 |
| Spinach | — | April 12 – April 26 | July 15 – July 29 |
| Onions | February 11 – February 25 | April 15 – April 29 | — |
| Leeks | February 18 – March 4 | April 22 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | March 25 – April 1 | April 29 – May 13 | — |
| Radishes | — | April 22 – May 6 | July 30 – August 13 |
| Turnips | — | April 22 – May 6 | June 30 – July 14 |
| Beets | — | April 29 – May 13 | June 25 – July 9 |
| Carrots | — | May 13 – May 27 | May 26 – June 9 |
| Peas | — | April 8 – April 22 | June 20 – July 4 |
| Beans | — | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Cucumbers | May 3 – May 10 | May 24 – June 7 | — |
| Summer Squash & Zucchini | May 6 – May 13 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Winter Squash | May 6 – May 13 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Pumpkins | May 6 – May 13 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Melons | May 6 – May 13 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Okra | April 29 – May 13 | June 3 – June 17 | — |
| Potatoes | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Parsley | February 22 – March 1 | April 26 – May 10 | — |
| Collards | March 11 – March 25 | April 15 – April 29 | June 5 – June 19 |
| Watermelon | May 6 – May 13 | May 27 – June 10 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 24 – June 7 | — |
| Celery | March 4 – March 18 | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Kohlrabi | March 11 – March 25 | April 15 – April 29 | — |
| Artichoke | February 25 – March 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Asparagus | — | April 19 – May 3 | — |
| Cilantro | — | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Dill | — | May 3 – May 17 | — |
| Oregano | March 18 – April 1 | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Sage | April 1 – April 15 | May 20 – June 3 | — |
| Thyme | March 18 – April 1 | May 20 – June 3 | — |
Fall bulb planting in Zone 3b
| Crop | Plant cloves (fall) | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | September 23 – October 7 | Following summer |
Last verified 2026-08-28. Frost: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 Climate Normals. Zone: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM-derived). Planting rules: UNH Extension, Johnny's Selected Seeds, UGA Extension.