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Zone 5b 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.

Last Spring Frost: May 8 First Fall Frost: Oct 15 160-Day Growing Season

Zone 5b is the warmer half of USDA zone 5, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at −15 to −10°F. Compared with the zone 5 averages, the last spring frost in zone 5b comes about a week earlier (May 8) and the first fall frost about a week later (Oct 15), for a growing season of about 160 days. Every planting window on this page is shifted to match: spring sowing and transplant dates move a week earlier, fall plantings a week later. 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

What to Plant in Zone 5b This Fall (September–November)

The average first fall frost in zone 5b is Oct 15. 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 5b's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:

Carrots

Plant by Jul 23

70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Beets

Plant by Aug 2

60 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Kale

Plant by Aug 7

55 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Spinach

Plant by Aug 17

45 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor

Zone 5a and 5b: these dates count back from zone 5b's first frost, which is about a week later than the zone 5 average of Oct 8. Zone 5a gardeners have about two weeks less fall time — see the zone 5a fall dates.

Fall crops on this zone 5b 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 5b

The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 5b'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.

Garden Pea Direct sow

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.

Snap / Snow Pea Direct sow

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Direct sow early; trellis tall varieties.

Spinach Direct sow

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Cold-hardy; bolts once heat arrives, so sow early.

Lettuce Direct sow

Mar 14 - May 24

Succession sow every 2 weeks; transplants also work.

Arugula Direct sow

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Fast and frost-tolerant.

Radish Direct sow

Mar 14 - May 24

Ready in 25-30 days; succession sow.

Carrot Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Sow once soil is workable; keep seedbed moist for germination.

Beet Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Tolerates light frost; thin for good roots.

Turnip Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Quick spring crop; harvest before summer heat.

Parsnip Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 3

Slow to germinate; flavor improves with fall frost.

Potato Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 3

Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.

Onion (Bulb) Transplant

Mar 25 - Apr 23

Use long-day varieties; transplant seedlings or sets early.

Scallion / Green Onion Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Very cold tolerant.

Shallot Plant sets / crowns

Mar 25 - Apr 23

Plant sets early; harvest mid-summer.

Leek Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Start indoors in Feb-Mar; transplant and blanch stems.

Broccoli Transplant

Mar 25 - May 3

Start indoors 5-6 weeks earlier; tolerates light frost.

Cauliflower Transplant

Mar 25 - May 3

Needs steady moisture; blanch heads.

Cabbage Transplant

Mar 25 - May 3

Hardy transplant; set out before last frost.

Kohlrabi Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Fast brassica; harvest before bulbs get woody.

Kale Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Very cold-hardy; direct sow also works.

Swiss Chard Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Heat and cold tolerant; one of the longest-cropping greens.

Collards Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Hardy and heat tolerant; long harvest.

Mustard Greens Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Fast spicy greens; bolt in heat.

Bok Choy / Pak Choi Transplant

Mar 25 - Apr 23

Bolts in heat; best as a cool-spring crop.

Cilantro / Coriander Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Bolts in summer heat; succession sow.

Dill Direct sow

Mar 25 - May 24

Direct sow; self-seeds readily.

Parsley Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Slow germinator; start indoors or buy transplants.

Chives Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

Perennial; divides easily.

Fava Bean Direct sow

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Cool-season legume; sow as early as soil permits.

Tomato Start indoors

Mar 14 - Apr 23

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before May 15; transplant after frost.

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Start indoors

Feb 22 - Mar 24

Start indoors 8-10 weeks early; slow growers.

Eggplant Start indoors

Feb 22 - Mar 24

Needs warmth; start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.

Basil Start indoors

Mar 25 - Apr 23

Very frost-sensitive; start indoors, set out late May.

Asparagus Plant sets / crowns

Mar 25 - May 3

Plant crowns in a permanent bed; first real harvest year 3.

Rhubarb Plant sets / crowns

Mar 25 - Apr 23

Plant crowns; perennial, do not harvest first year.

Strawberry Transplant

Mar 25 - May 24

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.

Tomato Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Set out after May 15; stake or cage and mulch.

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Wait for warm nights (above 55°F) before transplanting.

Eggplant Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Loves heat; use row cover early to hold warmth.

Tomatillo Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Plant at least two for pollination.

Ground Cherry Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Sprawling habit; fruit ready when husks drop.

Cucumber Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Sow in warm soil; trellis to save space.

Zucchini Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Extremely productive; one or two plants is plenty.

Summer Squash Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Harvest young and often.

Winter Squash Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 3

Needs full season; sow promptly after frost to mature by October.

Pumpkin Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 3

Long season; sow early for Halloween-size fruit.

Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 3

Sow promptly to reach maturity before fall frost.

Muskmelon / Cantaloupe Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Use black plastic mulch and row cover for heat in zone 5.

Watermelon Transplant

May 14 - Jun 3

Choose short-season varieties; needs warm soil and heat.

Corn (Sweet) Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Plant in blocks for pollination; soil must be warm.

Bush Bean Direct sow

May 14 - Jul 24

Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Pole Bean Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Trellis; produces over a long window.

Lima Bean Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Needs warm soil and full season; choose early varieties in zone 5.

Edamame (Soybean) Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Harvest pods when plump and bright green.

Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Attractive flowers; pick pods young.

Cowpea / Southern Pea Direct sow

May 25 - Jun 23

Heat-loving; sow once soil is thoroughly warm.

Okra Transplant

May 25 - Jun 23

Needs steady heat; start indoors and transplant into the warmest spot.

Amaranth (Leaf) Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Heat-tolerant green; harvest leaves young.

New Zealand Spinach Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Heat-tolerant spinach substitute for summer harvest.

Basil Transplant

May 14 - Jun 23

Pinch tops to keep it bushy; never let it frost.

Sunflower Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Direct sow; choose dwarf or mammoth as desired.

Zinnia Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms.

Marigold Transplant

May 14 - Jun 23

Good pest-deterrent companion among vegetables.

Cosmos Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Thrives in lean soil; great pollinator plant.

Nasturtium Direct sow

May 14 - Jun 23

Edible flowers; trap crop for aphids.

Broccoli Start indoors

May 25 - Jul 24

Start fall crop indoors mid-summer for a September harvest.

Cabbage Start indoors

May 25 - Jul 24

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.

Spinach Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 17

Cold-hardy; can overwinter under mulch for an early spring crop.

Lettuce Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 17

Cooler fall days improve flavor; protect from first frosts.

Arugula Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Thrives in fall cool; very frost-tolerant.

Mizuna Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Fast mild mustard; great in fall salad mixes.

Tatsoi Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Cold-hardy Asian green; sweetens after frost.

Mustard Greens Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Spicy fall green; tolerates light frost.

Radish Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Quick fall crop; sow up to ~4 weeks before frost.

Daikon Radish Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Sow by mid-August for full-size roots before hard freeze.

Turnip Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Fall roots sweeten with frost; greens are edible too.

Beet Direct sow

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Fall crop matures in cool weather; mulch to extend.

Carrot Direct sow

Jul 14 - Aug 3

Fall carrots are sweetest after frost; mulch heavily to overwinter.

Kale Transplant

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Frost makes it sweeter; harvest well into November under cover.

Collards Transplant

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Very frost-hardy; flavor improves after a freeze.

Swiss Chard Direct sow

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Keeps cropping into fall; protect from hard freezes.

Broccoli Transplant

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Set out summer-started transplants for a fall harvest.

Cauliflower Transplant

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Fall heads form in cool weather; needs steady moisture.

Cabbage Transplant

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Fall cabbage stores well; tolerates frost.

Napa Cabbage Transplant

Jul 14 - Aug 24

Best as a fall crop; bolts in spring heat.

Bok Choy / Pak Choi Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Fall planting avoids spring bolting.

Kohlrabi Direct sow

Aug 8 - Sep 7

Fast fall bulbs; sweetens in cool weather.

Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) Direct sow

Sep 8 - Oct 7

Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters for very early spring greens.

Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) Direct sow

Sep 8 - Oct 7

Cold-frame green; harvests through winter under cover.

Cilantro / Coriander Direct sow

Aug 8 - Oct 7

Fall cool keeps it from bolting quickly.

Garlic Plant sets / crowns

Sep 28 - Nov 7

Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily.

Garden Pea Direct sow

Jul 14 - Aug 3

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.

Pepper (Bell & Hot) Start indoors

Feb 14 - Mar 24

Slow to germinate; start indoors under lights for May transplant.

Onion (Bulb) Start indoors

Dec 25 - Feb 21

Long-day onions need an early indoor start to size up.

Leek Start indoors

Jan 25 - Feb 21

Start indoors early; long season to maturity.

Celery Start indoors

Jan 25 - Feb 21

Very slow from seed; needs a long indoor head start.

Celeriac Start indoors

Jan 25 - Feb 21

Long season; start indoors in late winter.

Eggplant Start indoors

Feb 14 - Mar 24

Needs warmth and a long start; sow indoors under lights.

Tomato Start indoors

Feb 22 - Mar 24

Start 6-8 weeks before May 15; not before late winter to avoid leggy plants.

Full Planting Timing Table

Start-indoors, direct-sow, transplant, and harvest windows for every crop in zone 5b.

Vegetables

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Amaranth (Leaf) — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Heat-tolerant green; harvest leaves young.
Arugula — Mar 14 - Apr 23 — — Thrives in fall cool; very frost-tolerant.
Asparagus — — Mar 25 - May 3 — Plant crowns in a permanent bed; first real harvest year 3.
Beet — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — — Tolerates light frost; thin for good roots.
Bok Choy / Pak Choi — Aug 8 - Sep 7 Mar 25 - Apr 23 — Fall planting avoids spring bolting.
Broccoli May 25 - Jul 24 — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — Set out summer-started transplants for a fall harvest.
Bush Bean — May 14 - Jul 24 — — Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
Cabbage May 25 - Jul 24 — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — Fall cabbage stores well; tolerates frost.
Carrot — Jul 14 - Aug 3 — — Sow once soil is workable; keep seedbed moist for germination.
Cauliflower — — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — Fall heads form in cool weather; needs steady moisture.
Celeriac Jan 25 - Feb 21 — — — Long season; start indoors in late winter.
Celery Jan 25 - Feb 21 — — — Very slow from seed; needs a long indoor head start.
Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) — Sep 8 - Oct 7 — — Cold-frame green; harvests through winter under cover.
Collards — — Aug 8 - Sep 7 — Very frost-hardy; flavor improves after a freeze.
Corn (Sweet) — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Plant in blocks for pollination; soil must be warm.
Cowpea / Southern Pea — May 25 - Jun 23 — — Heat-loving; sow once soil is thoroughly warm.
Cucumber — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Sow in warm soil; trellis to save space.
Daikon Radish — Aug 8 - Sep 7 — — Sow by mid-August for full-size roots before hard freeze.
Edamame (Soybean) — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Harvest pods when plump and bright green.
Eggplant Feb 22 - Mar 24 — May 14 - Jun 3 — Loves heat; use row cover early to hold warmth.
Fava Bean — Mar 14 - Apr 23 — — Cool-season legume; sow as early as soil permits.
Garden Pea — Mar 14 - Apr 23 — — Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.
Garlic — — Sep 28 - Nov 7 — Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch heavily.
Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin — May 14 - Jun 3 — — Sow promptly to reach maturity before fall frost.
Kale — — Aug 8 - Sep 7 — Frost makes it sweeter; harvest well into November under cover.
Kohlrabi — Aug 8 - Sep 7 Mar 25 - May 24 — Fast brassica; harvest before bulbs get woody.
Leek Jan 25 - Feb 21 — Mar 25 - May 24 — Start indoors early; long season to maturity.
Lettuce — Mar 14 - May 24 — — Cooler fall days improve flavor; protect from first frosts.
Lima Bean — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Needs warm soil and full season; choose early varieties in zone 5.
Mizuna — Aug 8 - Oct 7 — — Fast mild mustard; great in fall salad mixes.
Mustard Greens — Aug 8 - Oct 7 — — Spicy fall green; tolerates light frost.
Napa Cabbage — — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — Best as a fall crop; bolts in spring heat.
New Zealand Spinach — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Heat-tolerant spinach substitute for summer harvest.
Okra — — May 25 - Jun 23 — Needs steady heat; start indoors and transplant into the warmest spot.
Onion (Bulb) Dec 25 - Feb 21 — Mar 25 - Apr 23 — Long-day onions need an early indoor start to size up.
Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) — Sep 8 - Oct 7 — — Extremely cold-hardy; overwinters for very early spring greens.
Parsnip — Mar 25 - May 3 — — Slow to germinate; flavor improves with fall frost.
Pepper (Bell & Hot) Feb 22 - Mar 24 — May 14 - Jun 3 — Slow to germinate; start indoors under lights for May transplant.
Pole Bean — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Trellis; produces over a long window.
Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Attractive flowers; pick pods young.
Potato — Mar 25 - May 3 — — Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Pumpkin — May 14 - Jun 3 — — Long season; sow early for Halloween-size fruit.
Radish — Mar 14 - May 24 — — Ready in 25-30 days; succession sow.
Rhubarb — — Mar 25 - Apr 23 — Plant crowns; perennial, do not harvest first year.
Scallion / Green Onion — Mar 25 - May 24 — — Very cold tolerant.
Shallot — — Mar 25 - Apr 23 — Plant sets early; harvest mid-summer.
Snap / Snow Pea — Mar 14 - Apr 23 — — Direct sow early; trellis tall varieties.
Spinach — Mar 14 - Apr 23 — — Cold-hardy; can overwinter under mulch for an early spring crop.
Summer Squash — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Harvest young and often.
Swiss Chard — Jul 14 - Aug 24 — — Keeps cropping into fall; protect from hard freezes.
Tatsoi — Aug 8 - Oct 7 — — Cold-hardy Asian green; sweetens after frost.
Tomatillo — — May 14 - Jun 3 — Plant at least two for pollination.
Tomato Feb 22 - Mar 24 — May 14 - Jun 3 — Set out after May 15; stake or cage and mulch.
Turnip — Aug 8 - Sep 7 — — Quick spring crop; harvest before summer heat.
Winter Squash — May 14 - Jun 3 — — Needs full season; sow promptly after frost to mature by October.
Zucchini — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Extremely productive; one or two plants is plenty.

Herbs

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Basil Mar 25 - Apr 23 — May 14 - Jun 23 — Pinch tops to keep it bushy; never let it frost.
Chives — — Mar 25 - May 24 — Perennial; divides easily.
Cilantro / Coriander — Aug 8 - Oct 7 — — Fall cool keeps it from bolting quickly.
Dill — Mar 25 - May 24 — — Direct sow; self-seeds readily.
Parsley — — Mar 25 - May 24 — Slow germinator; start indoors or buy transplants.

Fruits

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Ground Cherry — — May 14 - Jun 3 — Sprawling habit; fruit ready when husks drop.
Muskmelon / Cantaloupe — — May 14 - Jun 3 — Use black plastic mulch and row cover for heat in zone 5.
Strawberry — — Mar 25 - May 24 — Plant bare-root crowns in early spring; pinch first-year blooms.
Watermelon — — May 14 - Jun 3 — Choose short-season varieties; needs warm soil and heat.

Flowers

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Notes
Cosmos — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Thrives in lean soil; great pollinator plant.
Marigold — — May 14 - Jun 23 — Good pest-deterrent companion among vegetables.
Nasturtium — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Edible flowers; trap crop for aphids.
Sunflower — May 14 - Jun 23 — — Direct sow; choose dwarf or mammoth as desired.
Zinnia — May 14 - Jun 23 — — 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 5b is the warmer one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 5a 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 5b Growing Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I plant in spring in zone 5b?

In zone 5b, 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 5b?

The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 5b is May 8. The first fall frost typically arrives around Oct 15, giving a growing season of approximately 160 days.

When is the first frost in zone 5b?

The average first fall frost in USDA zone 5b arrives around Oct 15. 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 5b?

In zone 5b, start crops like Tomato indoors around Mar 14 - Apr 23. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.

What can I plant in fall in zone 5b?

Fall planting in zone 5b includes Spinach, Lettuce, Arugula, Mizuna, Tatsoi, Mustard Greens, Radish, Daikon Radish, and more.

How long is the growing season in zone 5b?

Zone 5b has an average growing season of 160 days, from the last spring frost around May 8 to the first fall frost around Oct 15.

What is the difference between zone 5a and zone 5b?

Zone 5b is the warmer half of USDA zone 5, with average coldest winter nights of −15 to −10°F. Compared with the zone 5 averages (last frost May 15, first frost Oct 8), zone 5b's last spring frost is about a week earlier (May 8) and its first fall frost about a week later (Oct 15), so zone 5a gardeners plant about two weeks later in spring and earlier in fall than zone 5b.