Zone 5: What to Plant and When
Zone 5 has 150–180 frost-free days with last frost in May and first frost in October. Grow a wide range of vegetables including tomatoes and peppers.
Zone 5 is the sweet spot for vegetable gardening. Long enough for warm-season crops, cool enough for brassicas.
The Season
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Last frost | Early-mid May |
| First frost | Early-mid October |
| Frost-free days | 150-180 |
Planting Calendar
| Month | Plant |
|---|---|
| March | Start tomatoes, peppers indoors |
| April | Plant peas, lettuce, spinach outside |
| May | Plant everything after last frost |
| June | Succession plant lettuce, beans |
| July | Plant fall brassicas |
| August | Plant fall greens |
| September | Harvest, plant garlic |
| October | Last harvests |
Best Crops
Spring: Peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, kale Summer: Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, beans, cucumbers Fall: Broccoli, kale, carrots, beets, lettuce
Common Questions
Can I grow year-round? No, but the season is long.
When do I start tomatoes indoors? 6-8 weeks before last frost.
What about peppers? 8-10 weeks before last frost.
Can I grow watermelon? Yes, with black plastic mulch.
What about sweet potatoes? Yes. They need a long season.
Can I grow garlic? Yes. Plant in fall, harvest next summer.