When is the last frost in Zone 5a?

The average last spring frost in USDA Zone 5a is around 05/12 (NOAA 1991–2020, 50% probability), ranging 04/27–05/27 across the zone.

When is the first frost in Zone 5a?

The average first fall frost in Zone 5a is around 10/01, giving roughly a 141-day growing season.

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USDA Zone 5a planting calendar

In USDA Zone 5a, the average last spring frost is around 05/12 and the first fall frost around 10/01, giving roughly a 141-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.

Last frost ~05/12 First frost ~10/01 ~141-day season 69 NOAA stations

Frost dates are the median across 69 NOAA weather stations in Zone 5a (1991–2020 normals, 50% probability). Range: last frost 04/27–05/27, first frost 09/14–10/11. For your exact town, use the ZIP tool.

The year in Zone 5a

Jan—Feb5 tasks Mar16 tasks Apr31 tasks May28 tasks Jun13 tasks Jul9 tasks Aug2 tasks Sep—Oct1 task Nov—Dec—

What to plant now (August)

Spinach

Sow for fall harvest

Radishes

Sow for fall harvest

All crops in Zone 5a

Crop	Start indoors	Transplant / sow	Sow for fall
Tomatoes	April 11 – April 18	May 16 – May 30	—
Peppers	March 31	May 19 – June 2	—
Eggplant	April 4 – April 18	May 23 – June 6	—
Basil	April 11	May 16 – May 30	—
Broccoli	March 24 – March 31	April 14 – April 28	June 22 – July 6
Cabbage	March 3 – March 17	April 7 – April 21	May 13 – May 27
Cauliflower	March 17 – March 31	April 21 – May 5	June 27 – July 11
Brussels Sprouts	March 10 – March 24	April 14 – April 28	—
Kale	March 3 – March 17	April 7 – April 21	July 2 – July 16
Lettuce	March 14 – March 21	April 11 – April 25	June 17 – July 1
Spinach	—	April 4 – April 18	July 27 – August 10
Onions	February 3 – February 17	April 7 – April 21	—
Leeks	February 10 – February 24	April 14 – April 28	—
Swiss Chard	March 17 – March 24	April 21 – May 5	—
Radishes	—	April 14 – April 28	August 11 – August 25
Turnips	—	April 14 – April 28	July 12 – July 26
Beets	—	April 21 – May 5	July 7 – July 21
Carrots	—	May 5 – May 19	June 7 – June 21
Peas	—	March 31 – April 14	July 2 – July 16
Beans	—	May 12 – May 26	—
Sweet Corn	—	May 12 – May 26	—
Cucumbers	April 25 – May 2	May 16 – May 30	—
Summer Squash & Zucchini	April 28 – May 5	May 19 – June 2	—
Winter Squash	April 28 – May 5	May 19 – June 2	—
Pumpkins	April 28 – May 5	May 19 – June 2	—
Melons	April 28 – May 5	May 19 – June 2	—
Okra	April 21 – May 5	May 26 – June 9	—
Potatoes	—	April 25 – May 9	—
Parsley	February 14 – February 21	April 18 – May 2	—
Collards	March 3 – March 17	April 7 – April 21	June 17 – July 1
Watermelon	April 28 – May 5	May 19 – June 2	—
Sweet Potatoes	—	May 16 – May 30	—
Celery	February 24 – March 10	May 12 – May 26	—
Kohlrabi	March 3 – March 17	April 7 – April 21	—
Artichoke	February 17 – March 17	May 5 – May 19	—
Asparagus	—	April 11 – April 25	—
Cilantro	—	May 12 – May 26	—
Dill	—	April 25 – May 9	—
Oregano	March 10 – March 24	May 12 – May 26	—
Sage	March 24 – April 7	May 12 – May 26	—
Thyme	March 10 – March 24	May 12 – May 26	—

Fall bulb planting in Zone 5a

Planted in fall after the first frost, for harvest the following summer — a separate calendar from the spring/fall-harvest crops above.

Crop	Plant cloves (fall)	Harvest
Garlic	October 5 – October 19	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.