USDA Zone 5a planting calendar
In USDA Zone 5a, the average last spring frost is around 05/12 and the first fall frost around 10/01, giving roughly a 141-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.
Last frost ~05/12
First frost ~10/01
~141-day season
69 NOAA stations
The year in Zone 5a
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
Spinach
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 5a
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant / sow | Sow for fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | April 11 – April 18 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Peppers | March 31 | May 19 – June 2 | — |
| Eggplant | April 4 – April 18 | May 23 – June 6 | — |
| Basil | April 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Broccoli | March 24 – March 31 | April 14 – April 28 | June 22 – July 6 |
| Cabbage | March 3 – March 17 | April 7 – April 21 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Cauliflower | March 17 – March 31 | April 21 – May 5 | June 27 – July 11 |
| Brussels Sprouts | March 10 – March 24 | April 14 – April 28 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Kale | March 3 – March 17 | April 7 – April 21 | July 2 – July 16 |
| Lettuce | March 14 – March 21 | April 11 – April 25 | June 17 – July 1 |
| Spinach | — | April 4 – April 18 | July 27 – August 10 |
| Onions | February 3 – February 17 | April 7 – April 21 | — |
| Leeks | February 10 – February 24 | April 14 – April 28 | — |
| Swiss Chard | March 17 – March 24 | April 21 – May 5 | July 12 – July 26 |
| Radishes | — | April 14 – April 28 | August 11 – August 25 |
| Turnips | — | April 14 – April 28 | July 12 – July 26 |
| Beets | — | April 21 – May 5 | July 7 – July 21 |
| Carrots | — | May 5 – May 19 | June 7 – June 21 |
| Peas | — | March 31 – April 14 | July 2 – July 16 |
| Beans | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 12 – May 26 | — |
| Cucumbers | April 25 – May 2 | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Summer Squash & Zucchini | April 28 – May 5 | May 19 – June 2 | — |
| Winter Squash | April 28 – May 5 | May 19 – June 2 | — |
| Pumpkins | April 28 – May 5 | May 19 – June 2 | — |
| Melons | April 28 – May 5 | May 19 – June 2 | — |
| Okra | April 21 – May 5 | May 26 – June 9 | — |
| Potatoes | — | April 25 – May 9 | — |
| Parsley | February 14 – February 21 | April 18 – May 2 | — |
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.