Zone 5 Vegetable Planting Calendar

Plan your vegetable garden with schedules built for Zone 5A and 5B. See when to start seeds indoors, direct sow, and transplant each crop.

View Planting Schedule

Average annual extreme minimum

−20–−10°F

APR–MAY

Typical last spring frostLocal elevation, latitude, and microclimates can shift this period.

OCT

Typical first fall frostUse your ZIP-code frost dates and forecast for final decisions.

Zone 5A & 5BSelect your subzone for more useful timing

About 140–180 DaysA broad frost-free estimate with significant local variation

Season-Smart PlantingCool crops thrive at both ends of the season with warm crops between.

Plan around your subzone

Choose Zone 5A or Zone 5B

USDA 5A and 5B describe winter cold hardiness—not exact frost dates. This guide keeps the B subzone only one week earlier in spring and one week later in fall than A. Confirm final timing with your ZIP-code frost dates, soil temperature, and forecast.

Zone 5A Planting Schedule

Start indoorsDirect sowTransplant/plant

Swipe horizontally to see later months.

Planning guidance only. Hardiness zones describe winter minimums; local frost dates and soil temperature should anchor annual vegetable planting. Give fall crops additional time because growth slows as days shorten.

Spring in Zone 5

Count backward from your local last frost.

Start long-season and transplant-friendly crops indoors. Direct sow hardy roots and greens first, then wait for settled warmth and suitable soil temperature before planting beans, corn, cucumbers, squash, melons, and okra.

Fall in Zone 5

Start the second season before summer ends.

Begin fall brassicas indoors early enough to transplant before cool weather. Direct sow roots and greens afterward, using days to maturity plus about two extra weeks for slower autumn growth.