Cornell, MI — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
Top priorities for Delta County, Michigan gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Harden off and plant alpine strawberries, aronia, and blackberries
Your last frost (May 12) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
-
Time to start basil, cucumber, and kale inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
-
Bring in the carrots, lettuce, and radish
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
July prep starts now
- Starting indoors: peppers, pole beans, and tomatoes
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
Cornell has a classic four-season growing climate (Zone 5a). The last spring frost typically lands around May 12 and the first fall frost arrives around October 14 — a 155-day frost-free season that's long enough for tomatoes, peppers, melons, and a full succession of cool-weather crops on either side. The trick is timing: start warm-season seedlings indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, harden them off, and plant out the week after your local frost date is statistically safe.
Soils trend Silt Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Drought pressure is moderate (17.0 weeks/year on average). Mulching and drip irrigation pay for themselves quickly.
🌡️ USDA Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 12
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 14
📅 Growing Season
155 days
🌧️ Climate
Unknown 0.0" annual
💨 Wind
Unknown 0.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
17.0 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Cornell
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Why this matters: A drip irrigation system pays for itself in 1-2 seasons in any climate. Cornell's 0" annual rainfall determines whether you'll run it weekly (dry zones) or maybe just during summer dry spells (wet zones).
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.8 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 2 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.8 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 3.6 in | 8 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| May | 5.3 in | 12 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 4.8 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 4.8 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 3.8 in | 10 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Sep | 3.6 in | 7 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 3.3 in | 7 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 3.2 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2 in | 7 days | — | None |
Annual total: 41 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Cornell Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 26 | Nov 1 | 159 days |
| Cautious | May 19 | Oct 21 | 155 days |
| Average year | May 12 | Oct 14 | 155 days |
| Optimistic | May 6 | Oct 8 | 155 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 26 | Oct 3 | 160 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±29 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Delta County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Delta County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Delta County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Delta County Michigan State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 517-355-0240
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Delta County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Delta County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Delta County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Delta County MI" or "garden center Delta County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Delta County MI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Delta County Gardeners" or "Michigan Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Cornell
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Quick context: Day length triggers flowering in many crops. Some need short days (sweet potatoes), some long (most flowers), and some are day-neutral (most modern tomatoes). Cornell's latitude determines which varieties fit your beds.
Longest Day
15.5 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.5 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.8 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.9 hr | 3.7 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.1 hr | 4.3 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 7.1 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.7 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.5 hr | 9.8 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.2 hr | 9.6 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.9 hr | 8.2 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.2 hr | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.5 hr | 3.3 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Cornell
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Quick context: Cold soil = stunted starts. A bean seed planted in 55°F soil rots before it germinates. Same seed in 65°F soil sprouts in 5 days. Cornell's soil temperature pattern shows you the difference month to month.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jun through Sep.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
6 months
Solid season. Piles go dormant in winter.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 18°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 26°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 40°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 56°F | 52°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 64°F | 60°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 73°F | 66°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 72°F | 70°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 66°F | 64°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 53°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 39°F | 43°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 21°F | 31°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Cornell
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Why this matters: The most successful gardeners in high-pressure regions don't spray more — they design around the problem. Crop rotation, companion planting, and resistant varieties beat reactive spraying.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Moderate — watch for mildew and blight during wet periods.
Seasonal Risk
View 5 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage worms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul |
| Slugs | Low | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Use row covers on susceptible crops during peak pest months
- Apply neem oil preventatively every 7-14 days during active pest season
- Interplant with strong-scented herbs (basil, marigold) to confuse pests
- Hand-pick larger pests (beetles, caterpillars) in early morning when they're sluggish
- Practice crop rotation — never plant the same family in the same spot within 3 years
Cover Crops for Cornell
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
Why this matters: Cover crops are the experienced gardener's secret weapon. Cornell's climate determines which species thrive: clover and vetch in mild winters, cereal rye and Austrian peas in cold ones.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 18 | Aug 5 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 11 | Aug 12 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 24 | Sep 23 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (5 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikon radish | Aug 25 | Apr 28 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Aug 6 | Apr 28 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 17 | Apr 21 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 25 | Apr 21 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 23 | Apr 21 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Cornell
For new gardeners: Wind affects three things gardeners forget: how fast soil dries (more wind = more watering), whether pollinators can work (calm beats gusty), and whether your trellised crops stay upright. Cornell sees 0.0 mph on average — a forgiving baseline.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 13 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
7/10
Strongly recommended — a windbreak (fence, hedge, or row of tall crops like corn or sunflowers) will significantly improve garden yields.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (240 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Cornell
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why it matters: The first inch of rain washes the roof clean — a first-flush diverter sends it to waste before the barrel fills. Worth the extra $20 for cleaner garden water. Cornell gets 0" annually, so you'll fill and flush many times per year.
Annual Collection
20,434 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,500 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 41.0 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 20,434 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Stock up on stored water before your dry season (Jan, Feb, Dec)
- Use a first-flush diverter to keep roof debris out of your collection
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Cornell
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Cornell.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 26 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Oct 6 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 25 – Sep 29 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 25 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 6 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Dec 2 – Feb 17 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 29 – Nov 10 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Sep 8 – Oct 13 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Jul 28 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 18 – Sep 22 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 25 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | May 19 – Jun 16 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 25 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 14 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 11 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 18 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 11 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 3 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 13 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | May 26 – Jun 16 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Aug 4 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 15 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 19 | — | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Sep 22 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 13 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 26 | — | Sep 15 – Nov 10 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 6 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 28 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 12 | Aug 5 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 19 | — | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 13 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 17 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Cornell
27 fruits matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Cornell.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Nov 17 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 6 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 25 – Oct 6 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 2 | — | Sep 1 – Nov 17 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Cornell
34 herbs matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Cornell.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Aug 18 – Oct 20 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 3 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 8 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 19 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 29 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 8 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 7 | Apr 28 | May 5 | Aug 5 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 19 | — | Sep 22 – Nov 3 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Cornell
51 flowers matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Cornell.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 24 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 6 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Oct 7 – Nov 4 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 14 | — | May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 21 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 13 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 31 | Apr 21 | May 12 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 22 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 7 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 10 | May 19 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 3 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | Apr 28 | — | Jun 16 – Sep 1 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 17 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 24 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 3 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 3 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 18 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 25 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 14 | — | — | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 3 | — | Jun 2 | — | Aug 11 – Sep 22 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 27 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 3 | — | May 5 | — | Jun 30 – Sep 8 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 31 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 6 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 20 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 3 | — | May 12 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Sep 15 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 17 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 10 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 27 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 7 | May 26 | May 26 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 13 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Mar 3 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 11 – Nov 10 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 10 | — | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 10 | — | May 26 | — | Sep 22 – Nov 24 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 3 | Apr 28 | May 12 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 22 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 21 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Aug 11 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 24 | Apr 28 | May 12 | — | Jun 23 – Sep 1 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 31 | Apr 7 | May 12 | — | Jul 28 – Sep 29 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 24 | — | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 10 | May 12 | May 26 | — | Aug 4 – Nov 10 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 14 | May 19 | May 19 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 20 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Cornell
ZIP Codes in Cornell
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Delta County.
Your Delta County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Delta County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log