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
The year in Zone 5b
Jan1 taskFeb5 tasksMar12 tasksApr26 tasksMay16 tasksJun6 tasksJul8 tasksAug4 tasksSep1 taskOct—Nov—Dec—
What to plant now (July)
Broccoli
Sow for fall harvest
Cauliflower
Sow for fall harvest
Kale
Sow for fall harvest
Lettuce
Sow for fall harvest
Swiss Chard
Sow for fall harvest
Turnips
Sow for fall harvest
Beets
Sow for fall harvest
Peas
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 | May 20 – June 3 |
| 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 | July 19 – August 2 |
| 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 | — |
Last verified 2026-07-16. 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.