Brought to you by garden.gg Zone 5a Planting Calendar & Schedule
Zone 5 has cold, snowy winters (annual lows of -20 to -10°F) and warm summers, giving a moderate but distinctly four-season climate with a roughly 5-month frost-free growing window. Spring warms slowly and the first hard fall freeze arrives by mid-October, so heat-loving crops must be started indoors and frost-tender work is bracketed tightly between mid-May and early October.
Zone 5a is the cooler half of USDA zone 5, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at −20 to −15°F. Compared with the zone 5 averages, the last spring frost in zone 5a comes about a week later (May 22) and the first fall frost about a week earlier (Oct 1), for a growing season of about 132 days. Every planting window on this page is shifted to match: spring sowing and transplant dates move a week later, fall plantings a week earlier. Crop notes still quote zone 5 timing.
Zone 5 is the classic upper-Midwest and Northeast garden belt: Iowa, Nebraska, the Chicago area, Ohio, Indiana, interior Pennsylvania, central New York, and Colorado's Front Range. Lows of -20 to -10°F and a 146-day season support one full main season of corn, tomatoes, and squash. Sow a second round of lettuce, spinach, and radishes by early August and the salad harvest runs into October.
States & regions in Zone 5: Iowa, Nebraska, southern Wisconsin, southern Minnesota, northern Illinois (Chicago area), Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania (interior), much of Colorado's Front Range foothills, central New York, New England interior (Vermont, New Hampshire valleys), northern Missouri
America's most popular gardening zone.
More vegetable gardens grow in zone 5 than any other. With 180 days of growing season, you can grow almost anything — but timing is everything. A week too early and frost gets your tomatoes. A week too late and you're harvesting green pumpkins.
Pro tip: Track your actual last frost date each year. Zone 5 averages can vary by 2-3 weeks depending on your microclimate.
Save a planting for your zone 5a garden — free
What to Plant in Zone 5a This Fall (September–November)
The average first fall frost in zone 5a is Oct 1. To find the last safe planting date for any fall crop, count back from that date by its days to maturity plus a 14-day fall factor — growth slows as days shorten and soil cools. Applied to zone 5a's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:
Plant by Jul 9
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Jul 19
60 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Jul 24
55 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 3
45 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Zone 5a and 5b: these dates count back from zone 5a's first frost, which is about a week earlier than the zone 5 average of Oct 8. Zone 5b gardeners have about two weeks more fall time — see the zone 5b fall dates.
Fall crops on this zone 5a calendar include Spinach, Lettuce, Arugula, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Mustard Greens, Radish, Daikon Radish, Turnip, Beet, Carrot, Kale, and 13 more. Each crop's sowing and transplant window is in the fall planting section below.
For month-by-month detail, see what to plant in October across every zone, what to plant in September, and the fall vegetable planting guide by zone.
What to Plant by Season in Zone 5a
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 5a's climate and frost timing.
What to Plant in Spring
Spring is the busiest planting window in zone 5: cold-hardy greens, roots, peas and brassicas go in as soon as soil is workable (late March to April), while warm-season crops are started indoors under lights for transplanting after the May 15 last frost. Watch for late frosts through late May and harden off transplants gradually.
Mar 28 - May 7
Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.
Mar 28 - May 7
Direct sow early; trellis tall varieties.
Mar 28 - May 7
Cold-hardy; bolts once heat arrives, so sow early.
Mar 28 - Jun 7
Succession sow every 2 weeks; transplants also work.
Mar 28 - May 7
Fast and frost-tolerant.
Mar 28 - Jun 7
Ready in 25-30 days; succession sow.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Sow once soil is workable; keep seedbed moist for germination.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Tolerates light frost; thin for good roots.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Quick spring crop; harvest before summer heat.
Apr 8 - May 17
Slow to germinate; flavor improves with fall frost.
Apr 8 - May 17
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Apr 8 - May 7
Use long-day varieties; transplant seedlings or sets early.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Very cold tolerant.
Apr 8 - May 7
Plant sets early; harvest mid-summer.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Start indoors in Feb-Mar; transplant and blanch stems.
Apr 8 - May 17
Start indoors 5-6 weeks earlier; tolerates light frost.
Apr 8 - May 17
Needs steady moisture; blanch heads.
Apr 8 - May 17
Hardy transplant; set out before last frost.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Fast brassica; harvest before bulbs get woody.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Very cold-hardy; direct sow also works.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Heat and cold tolerant; one of the longest-cropping greens.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Hardy and heat tolerant; long harvest.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Fast spicy greens; bolt in heat.
Apr 8 - May 7
Bolts in heat; best as a cool-spring crop.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Bolts in summer heat; succession sow.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Direct sow; self-seeds readily.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Slow germinator; start indoors or buy transplants.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Perennial; divides easily.
Mar 28 - May 7
Cool-season legume; sow as early as soil permits.
Mar 28 - May 7
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before May 15; transplant after frost.
Mar 8 - Apr 7
Start indoors 8-10 weeks early; slow growers.
Mar 8 - Apr 7
Needs warmth; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.
Apr 8 - May 7
Very frost-sensitive; start indoors, set out late May.
Apr 8 - May 17
Plant crowns in a permanent bed; first real harvest year 3.
Apr 8 - May 7
Plant crowns; perennial, do not harvest first year.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring; pinch first-year blooms.
What to Plant in Summer
Summer is the main warm-season window: after the May 15 last frost, transplant tomatoes, peppers and other heat-lovers and direct sow beans, squash and corn into warm soil. Mid-summer is also the time to start fall brassicas and to sow heat-tolerant successions before the days shorten.
May 28 - Jun 17
Set out after May 15; stake or cage and mulch.
May 28 - Jun 17
Wait for warm nights (above 55°F) before transplanting.
May 28 - Jun 17
Loves heat; use row cover early to hold warmth.
May 28 - Jun 17
Plant at least two for pollination.
May 28 - Jun 17
Sprawling habit; fruit ready when husks drop.
May 28 - Jul 7
Sow in warm soil; trellis to save space.
May 28 - Jul 7
Extremely productive; one or two plants is plenty.
May 28 - Jul 7
Harvest young and often.
May 28 - Jun 17
Needs full season; sow promptly after frost to mature by October.
May 28 - Jun 17
Long season; sow early for Halloween-size fruit.
May 28 - Jun 17
Sow promptly to reach maturity before fall frost.
May 28 - Jun 17
Use black plastic mulch and row cover for heat in zone 5.
May 28 - Jun 17
Choose short-season varieties; needs warm soil and heat.
May 28 - Jul 7
Plant in blocks for pollination; soil must be warm.
May 28 - Aug 7
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
May 28 - Jul 7
Trellis; produces over a long window.
May 28 - Jul 7
Needs warm soil and full season; choose early varieties in zone 5.
May 28 - Jul 7
Harvest pods when plump and bright green.
May 28 - Jul 7
Attractive flowers; pick pods young.
Jun 8 - Jul 7
Heat-loving; sow once soil is thoroughly warm.
Jun 8 - Jul 7
Needs steady heat; start indoors and transplant into the warmest spot.
May 28 - Jul 7
Heat-tolerant green; harvest leaves young.
May 28 - Jul 7
Heat-tolerant spinach substitute for summer harvest.
May 28 - Jul 7
Pinch tops to keep it bushy; never let it frost.
May 28 - Jul 7
Direct sow; choose dwarf or mammoth as desired.
May 28 - Jul 7
Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms.
May 28 - Jul 7
Good pest-deterrent companion among vegetables.
May 28 - Jul 7
Thrives in lean soil; great pollinator plant.
May 28 - Jul 7
Edible flowers; trap crop for aphids.
Jun 8 - Aug 7
Start fall crop indoors mid-summer for a September harvest.
Jun 8 - Aug 7
Start fall heads now; transplant in late July.
What to Plant in Fall
Fall in zone 5 is for cool-season successions and harvest: quick greens and roots sown in late summer mature into the cooler, sweeter days of September and October, and fall-planted garlic goes in for next year. Use row covers and cold frames to push harvests past the October 8 first frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 3
Cold-hardy; can overwinter under mulch for an early spring crop.
Jul 25 - Sep 3
Cooler fall days improve flavor; protect from first frosts.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Thrives in fall cool; very frost-tolerant.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fast mild mustard; great in fall salad mixes.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Cold-hardy Asian green; sweetens after frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Spicy fall green; tolerates light frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Quick fall crop; sow up to ~4 weeks before frost.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Sow by mid-August for full-size roots before hard freeze.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Fall roots sweeten with frost; greens are edible too.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Fall crop matures in cool weather; mulch to extend.
Jul 28 - Aug 17
Fall carrots are sweetest after frost; mulch heavily to overwinter.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Frost makes it sweeter; harvest well into November under cover.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Very frost-hardy; flavor improves after a freeze.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Keeps cropping into fall; protect from hard freezes.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Set out summer-started transplants for a fall harvest.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Fall heads form in cool weather; needs steady moisture.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Fall cabbage stores well; tolerates frost.
Jul 28 - Sep 7
Best as a fall crop; bolts in spring heat.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Fall planting avoids spring bolting.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Fast fall bulbs; sweetens in cool weather.
Aug 25 - Sep 23
Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters for very early spring greens.
Aug 25 - Sep 23
Cold-frame green; harvests through winter under cover.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall cool keeps it from bolting quickly.
Sep 14 - Oct 24
Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily.
Jul 28 - Aug 17
Fall pea crop matures before hard frost if sown early enough.
What to Plant in Winter
Outdoor planting essentially stops in zone 5 winter — the ground freezes and snow cover is common. This is the season for indoor seed-starting under lights, garden planning and ordering, protecting overwintering crops (mulched garlic, carrots, mâche in cold frames), and harvesting from cold frames or storage rather than sowing outdoors.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Slow to germinate; start indoors under lights for May transplant.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Long-day onions need an early indoor start to size up.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Start indoors early; long season to maturity.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Very slow from seed; needs a long indoor head start.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Long season; start indoors in late winter.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Needs warmth and a long start; sow indoors under lights.
Mar 8 - Apr 7
Start 6-8 weeks before May 15; not before late winter to avoid leggy plants.
Save a planting from your zone 5 calendar
Choose a crop and a date that suits your local conditions. Create a free account or sign in, then review and save your planting plan. Your saved plan is available on web, iOS, and Android.
Zone calendars are starting points, not local forecasts. Check local frost dates, soil temperature, and the crop's planting instructions before choosing a date. This does not change your profile's zone.
Full Planting Timing Table
Start-indoors, direct-sow, transplant, and harvest windows for every crop in zone 5a.
Vegetables
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth (Leaf) | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-tolerant green; harvest leaves young. |
| Arugula | — | Mar 28 - May 7 | — | — | Thrives in fall cool; very frost-tolerant. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 8 - May 17 | — | Plant crowns in a permanent bed; first real harvest year 3. |
| Beet | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | — | Tolerates light frost; thin for good roots. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | Apr 8 - May 7 | — | Fall planting avoids spring bolting. |
| Broccoli | Jun 8 - Aug 7 | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | Set out summer-started transplants for a fall harvest. |
| Bush Bean | — | May 28 - Aug 7 | — | — | Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. |
| Cabbage | Jun 8 - Aug 7 | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | Fall cabbage stores well; tolerates frost. |
| Carrot | — | Jul 28 - Aug 17 | — | — | Sow once soil is workable; keep seedbed moist for germination. |
| Cauliflower | — | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | Fall heads form in cool weather; needs steady moisture. |
| Celeriac | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Long season; start indoors in late winter. |
| Celery | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Very slow from seed; needs a long indoor head start. |
| Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) | — | Aug 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Cold-frame green; harvests through winter under cover. |
| Collards | — | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | — | Very frost-hardy; flavor improves after a freeze. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Plant in blocks for pollination; soil must be warm. |
| Cowpea / Southern Pea | — | Jun 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving; sow once soil is thoroughly warm. |
| Cucumber | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Sow in warm soil; trellis to save space. |
| Daikon Radish | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | — | — | Sow by mid-August for full-size roots before hard freeze. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Harvest pods when plump and bright green. |
| Eggplant | Mar 8 - Apr 7 | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Loves heat; use row cover early to hold warmth. |
| Fava Bean | — | Mar 28 - May 7 | — | — | Cool-season legume; sow as early as soil permits. |
| Garden Pea | — | Mar 28 - May 7 | — | — | Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost. |
| Garlic | — | — | Sep 14 - Oct 24 | — | Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily. |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | — | Sow promptly to reach maturity before fall frost. |
| Kale | — | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | — | Frost makes it sweeter; harvest well into November under cover. |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Fast brassica; harvest before bulbs get woody. |
| Leek | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Start indoors early; long season to maturity. |
| Lettuce | — | Mar 28 - Jun 7 | — | — | Cooler fall days improve flavor; protect from first frosts. |
| Lima Bean | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Needs warm soil and full season; choose early varieties in zone 5. |
| Mizuna | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Fast mild mustard; great in fall salad mixes. |
| Mustard Greens | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Spicy fall green; tolerates light frost. |
| Napa Cabbage | — | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | Best as a fall crop; bolts in spring heat. |
| New Zealand Spinach | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-tolerant spinach substitute for summer harvest. |
| Okra | — | — | Jun 8 - Jul 7 | — | Needs steady heat; start indoors and transplant into the warmest spot. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | Apr 8 - May 7 | — | Long-day onions need an early indoor start to size up. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Aug 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters for very early spring greens. |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 8 - May 17 | — | — | Slow to germinate; flavor improves with fall frost. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Mar 8 - Apr 7 | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Slow to germinate; start indoors under lights for May transplant. |
| Pole Bean | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Trellis; produces over a long window. |
| Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Attractive flowers; pick pods young. |
| Potato | — | Apr 8 - May 17 | — | — | Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow. |
| Pumpkin | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | — | Long season; sow early for Halloween-size fruit. |
| Radish | — | Mar 28 - Jun 7 | — | — | Ready in 25-30 days; succession sow. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 8 - May 7 | — | Plant crowns; perennial, do not harvest first year. |
| Scallion / Green Onion | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Very cold tolerant. |
| Shallot | — | — | Apr 8 - May 7 | — | Plant sets early; harvest mid-summer. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Mar 28 - May 7 | — | — | Direct sow early; trellis tall varieties. |
| Spinach | — | Mar 28 - May 7 | — | — | Cold-hardy; can overwinter under mulch for an early spring crop. |
| Summer Squash | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Harvest young and often. |
| Swiss Chard | — | Jul 28 - Sep 7 | — | — | Keeps cropping into fall; protect from hard freezes. |
| Tatsoi | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Cold-hardy Asian green; sweetens after frost. |
| Tomatillo | — | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Plant at least two for pollination. |
| Tomato | Mar 8 - Apr 7 | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Set out after May 15; stake or cage and mulch. |
| Turnip | — | Jul 25 - Aug 24 | — | — | Quick spring crop; harvest before summer heat. |
| Winter Squash | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | — | Needs full season; sow promptly after frost to mature by October. |
| Zucchini | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Extremely productive; one or two plants is plenty. |
Herbs
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Apr 8 - May 7 | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | Pinch tops to keep it bushy; never let it frost. |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Perennial; divides easily. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Fall cool keeps it from bolting quickly. |
| Dill | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Direct sow; self-seeds readily. |
| Parsley | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Slow germinator; start indoors or buy transplants. |
Fruits
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Sprawling habit; fruit ready when husks drop. |
| Muskmelon / Cantaloupe | — | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Use black plastic mulch and row cover for heat in zone 5. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Plant bare-root crowns in early spring; pinch first-year blooms. |
| Watermelon | — | — | May 28 - Jun 17 | — | Choose short-season varieties; needs warm soil and heat. |
Flowers
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmos | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Thrives in lean soil; great pollinator plant. |
| Marigold | — | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | Good pest-deterrent companion among vegetables. |
| Nasturtium | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Edible flowers; trap crop for aphids. |
| Sunflower | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Direct sow; choose dwarf or mammoth as desired. |
| Zinnia | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms. |
Zone 5a vs Zone 5b
USDA divides zone 5 into two half-zones 5°F apart. Zone 5a is the cooler one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 5b and the zone 5 average.
| Zone 5a | Zone 5 | Zone 5b | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter low | −20 to −15°F | −20 to −10°F | −15 to −10°F |
| Last spring frost | May 22 | May 15 | May 8 |
| First fall frost | Oct 1 | Oct 8 | Oct 15 |
| Growing season | 132 days | 146 days | 160 days |
Not sure which half you're in? The half-zone comes from your area's average coldest winter night, so check the USDA map for your ZIP code. Your own microclimate — slope, shelter, pavement, elevation — can move dates as much as the half-zone does.
Zone 5a Growing Tips
- ✓ Count back from the May 15 average last frost when starting seeds indoors: tomatoes 6-8 weeks (mid-to-late March), peppers and eggplant 8-10 weeks (early-to-mid March), onions and leeks 10-12 weeks (January-February).
- ✓ Harden off all indoor-started transplants over 7-10 days before setting them out, and keep row cover or old sheets handy through late May for surprise frosts (10% of years see frost as late as May 28).
- ✓ Use season-extension gear aggressively: black plastic mulch and row cover give melons, watermelon and okra the soil warmth they need to ripen, and cold frames or low tunnels push spinach, mâche and kale harvests well past the October 8 first frost.
- ✓ Plant garlic in late September to mid-October, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, then mulch heavily with straw; harvest the following July.
- ✓ Sow fall successions of carrots, beets and brassicas in late July through August so they mature in the cool, sweet days of September-October before hard freeze; frost actually improves flavor of kale, carrots and parsnips.
- ✓ Choose short-season varieties for marginal heat-lovers (watermelon, lima bean, winter squash, melons) since zone 5's ~146-day season is tight for long-maturity types — pick cultivars rated under ~85-90 days where possible.
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Sign Up FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What can I plant in spring in zone 5a?
In zone 5a, spring planting includes Garden Pea, Snap / Snow Pea, Spinach, Lettuce, Arugula, Radish, Carrot, Beet, and more. See the spring section above for each crop's timing.
What is the last frost date for zone 5a?
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 5a is May 22. The first fall frost typically arrives around Oct 1, giving a growing season of approximately 132 days.
When is the first frost in zone 5a?
The average first fall frost in USDA zone 5a arrives around Oct 1. That is an average, not a guarantee — the actual first frost varies by up to 2 weeks either way, so watch your local forecast from a few weeks before that date and have row covers ready for tender crops still in the ground.
When can I start seeds indoors in zone 5a?
In zone 5a, start crops like Tomato indoors around Mar 28 - May 7. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
What can I plant in fall in zone 5a?
Fall planting in zone 5a includes Spinach, Lettuce, Arugula, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Mustard Greens, Radish, Daikon Radish, and more.
How long is the growing season in zone 5a?
Zone 5a has an average growing season of 132 days, from the last spring frost around May 22 to the first fall frost around Oct 1.
What is the difference between zone 5a and zone 5b?
Zone 5a is the cooler half of USDA zone 5, with average coldest winter nights of −20 to −15°F. Compared with the zone 5 averages (last frost May 15, first frost Oct 8), zone 5a's last spring frost is about a week later (May 22) and its first fall frost about a week earlier (Oct 1), so zone 5b gardeners plant about two weeks earlier in spring and later in fall than zone 5a.
What to plant right now
Month-specific guides for zone 5, hand-tuned to current frost dates and crop windows.
- What to Plant in October: Garlic Month, Cover Crops, and the Southern Fall Garden — What to plant in October: garlic goes in across zones 3-7, cover crops hit their deadline, and zones 8-10 plant the best garden of their year.
Learn more: When to plant vegetables by zone