When is the last frost in Zone 5b?

The average last spring frost in USDA Zone 5b is around 05/04 (NOAA 1991–2020, 50% probability), ranging 04/21–05/27 across the zone.

When is the first frost in Zone 5b?

The average first fall frost in Zone 5b is around 10/08, giving roughly a 157-day growing season.

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USDA Zone 5b planting calendar

In USDA Zone 5b, the average last spring frost is around 05/04 and the first fall frost around 10/08, giving roughly a 157-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.

Last frost ~05/04 First frost ~10/08 ~157-day season 70 NOAA stations

Frost dates are the median across 70 NOAA weather stations in Zone 5b (1991–2020 normals, 50% probability). Range: last frost 04/21–05/27, first frost 09/20–10/18. For your exact town, use the ZIP tool.

The year in Zone 5b

Jan1 task Feb9 tasks Mar19 tasks Apr32 tasks May24 tasks Jun6 tasks Jul8 tasks Aug3 tasks Sep1 task Oct1 task Nov—Dec—

What to plant now (August)

Spinach

Sow for fall harvest

Radishes

Sow for fall harvest

Turnips

Sow for fall harvest

All crops in Zone 5b

Crop	Start indoors	Transplant / sow	Sow for fall
Tomatoes	April 3 – April 10	May 8 – May 22	—
Peppers	March 23	May 11 – May 25	—
Eggplant	March 27 – April 10	May 15 – May 29	—
Basil	April 3	May 8 – May 22	—
Broccoli	March 16 – March 23	April 6 – April 20	June 29 – July 13
Cabbage	February 23 – March 9	March 30 – April 13	May 20 – June 3
Cauliflower	March 9 – March 23	April 13 – April 27	July 4 – July 18
Brussels Sprouts	March 2 – March 16	April 6 – April 20	—
Kale	February 23 – March 9	March 30 – April 13	July 9 – July 23
Lettuce	March 6 – March 13	April 3 – April 17	June 24 – July 8
Spinach	—	March 27 – April 10	August 3 – August 17
Onions	January 26 – February 9	March 30 – April 13	—
Leeks	February 2 – February 16	April 6 – April 20	—
Swiss Chard	March 9 – March 16	April 13 – April 27	—
Radishes	—	April 6 – April 20	August 18 – September 1
Turnips	—	April 6 – April 20	July 19 – August 2
Beets	—	April 13 – April 27	July 14 – July 28
Carrots	—	April 27 – May 11	June 14 – June 28
Peas	—	March 23 – April 6	July 9 – July 23
Beans	—	May 4 – May 18	—
Sweet Corn	—	May 4 – May 18	—
Cucumbers	April 17 – April 24	May 8 – May 22	—
Summer Squash & Zucchini	April 20 – April 27	May 11 – May 25	—
Winter Squash	April 20 – April 27	May 11 – May 25	—
Pumpkins	April 20 – April 27	May 11 – May 25	—
Melons	April 20 – April 27	May 11 – May 25	—
Okra	April 13 – April 27	May 18 – June 1	—
Potatoes	—	April 17 – May 1	—
Parsley	February 6 – February 13	April 10 – April 24	—
Collards	February 23 – March 9	March 30 – April 13	June 24 – July 8
Watermelon	April 20 – April 27	May 11 – May 25	—
Sweet Potatoes	—	May 8 – May 22	—
Celery	February 16 – March 2	May 4 – May 18	—
Kohlrabi	February 23 – March 9	March 30 – April 13	—
Artichoke	February 9 – March 9	April 27 – May 11	—
Asparagus	—	April 3 – April 17	—
Cilantro	—	May 4 – May 18	—
Dill	—	April 17 – May 1	—
Oregano	March 2 – March 16	May 4 – May 18	—
Sage	March 16 – March 30	May 4 – May 18	—
Thyme	March 2 – March 16	May 4 – May 18	—

Fall bulb planting in Zone 5b

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 12 – October 26	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.