Dafter, MI — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
What to do in June
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Plant out alpine strawberries, aronia, and blackberries
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
-
Start cucumber, kale, and lettuce under lights
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
-
Basket week: lettuce, radish, and anemones
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- Starting indoors: basil, peppers, and pole beans
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
Dafter gardens in a maritime climate — mild wet winters, cool dry summers (32" annual rainfall, most of it October to April). Cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, kale, and brassicas thrive almost year-round. The challenge is summer heat: long-season warm-weather crops (full-size tomatoes, peppers, melons) need every bit of summer sun, so prioritize short-season varieties, use dark mulches to warm the soil, and reserve your warmest microclimates (south-facing walls, near pavement) for the tender stuff.
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 (14.3 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 14
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 14
📅 Growing Season
153 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 32.2" annual
💨 Wind
Moderate 7.3 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
14.3 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Dafter
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. Dafter's 32" 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 | 2.1 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.6 in | 9 days | — | None |
| Apr | 4.2 in | 10 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| May | 4.4 in | 11 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 4.6 in | 9 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 5.1 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 4.5 in | 8 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 4.2 in | 9 days | 0.1 in | Low |
| Oct | 3.2 in | 6 days | 1.1 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2.9 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.1 in | 7 days | — | None |
Annual total: 41.7 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.
Dafter Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 28 | Oct 29 | 154 days |
| Cautious | May 19 | Oct 19 | 153 days |
| Average year | May 14 | Oct 14 | 153 days |
| Optimistic | May 8 | Oct 7 | 152 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 26 | Sep 30 | 157 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±32 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 2 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Chippewa County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Chippewa 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 Chippewa County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Chippewa 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 Chippewa County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Chippewa County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Chippewa 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 Chippewa County MI" or "garden center Chippewa 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 Chippewa County MI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Chippewa 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 Dafter
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
What this means for you: Onion varieties are sold by "short-day," "intermediate-day," and "long-day." Dafter's latitude determines which to buy — and getting it wrong is the difference between baseball-sized bulbs and marbles.
Longest Day
15.6 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.4 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.9 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 | 8.8 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.1 hr | 4.4 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.8 hr | 8.2 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.6 hr | 9.7 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.3 hr | 9.9 hr | Long day |
| August | 14 hr | 8.9 hr | Long day |
| September | 12.3 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.6 hr | 5.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.2 hr | 3.5 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.4 hr | 3.1 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Dafter
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why this matters: Air temperature lies. Your air can be 70°F in April but the soil 4 inches down is still 50°F — too cold for tomatoes or peppers to root properly. Dafter's soil temperature curve tells you the real planting window. A $5 soil thermometer pays for itself in one season.
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 | 14°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 17°F | 22°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 24°F | 29°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 41°F | 40°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| May | 52°F | 50°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 63°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 73°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 73°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 67°F | 66°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 52°F | 53°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 37°F | 44°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 20°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 Dafter
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
For new gardeners: Pollinators are the good bugs. Pest pressure is the bad bugs. Dafter's climate makes both more abundant in warm humid regions, and rarer in cold dry ones — plan habitat to encourage the good while managing the bad.
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 | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Colorado potato beetle | Low | 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 Dafter
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
For new gardeners: Bare soil is wasted soil — it loses nutrients to rain, dries out, compacts, and gets taken over by weeds. Cover crops (clovers, ryegrass, vetch, peas) are the "between seasons" trick that makes soil better every year. In Dafter, you can fit a cover crop into the gaps.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 23 | Aug 12 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 16 | Aug 19 | ✓ 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 | Jun 4 | Sep 16 | — | 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 | Sep 5 | Apr 30 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Aug 5 | Apr 30 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 14 | Apr 30 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 15 | Apr 30 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 10 | Apr 23 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Dafter
Why this matters: Wind is the silent water thief. Every breeze pulls moisture from leaves and soil. Dafter's 7.3 mph average is one piece of the watering math: rainfall + irrigation must exceed evaporation + transpiration, and wind boosts both losses.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 12 mph Summer: 9 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
4.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (200 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Dafter
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why this matters: A 1,000 sq ft roof captures about 600 gallons from a single 1" rainfall. Dafter gets 32" of rain a year — a couple of well-placed rain barrels can cover most summer watering. In dry climates the math's even better: every captured gallon is one you don't buy.
Annual Collection
20,783 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 1,250 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 41.7 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 20,783 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 Dafter
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Dafter.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 28 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Sep 3 – Oct 29 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 21 | — | — | Aug 20 – Oct 8 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | May 28 – Jun 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 13 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 21 | — | — | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Dec 2 – Feb 17 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 28 | — | Oct 1 – Nov 12 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Nov 12 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 15 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Sep 24 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 21 | — | — | Aug 20 – Sep 24 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | May 21 – Jun 18 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 20 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 13 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Mar 5 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 15 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | May 28 – Jun 18 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Jul 23 – Aug 27 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 21 | — | — | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Sep 24 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 28 | — | Sep 17 – Nov 12 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 30 | — | Aug 5 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 14 | Aug 5 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 21 | — | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 15 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 19 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 9 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Dafter
27 fruits matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Dafter.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Nov 19 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 8 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jun 4 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 8 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jun 4 | — | Sep 3 – Nov 19 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Dafter
34 herbs matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Dafter.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Aug 20 – Oct 22 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | May 7 | Aug 5 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 21 | — | Sep 24 – Nov 5 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Dafter
51 flowers matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Dafter.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 26 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Oct 7 – Nov 4 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 16 | — | May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 15 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Apr 2 | Apr 23 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Mar 5 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 12 | May 14 | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Nov 12 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Apr 2 | Apr 23 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 24 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 9 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 12 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 12 | May 21 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Nov 12 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 16 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 16 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Aug 13 – Nov 5 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 12 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 12 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | — | Jun 18 – Sep 3 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 12 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 12 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 12 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 19 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Nov 26 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Mar 5 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 21 | May 21 | — | Aug 13 – Nov 5 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 12 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Aug 12 – Sep 9 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 19 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Aug 27 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 16 | — | — | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Mar 5 | — | Jun 4 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 29 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Mar 5 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 12 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Apr 2 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 16 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 22 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Mar 5 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 17 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 19 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 12 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 29 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 9 | May 28 | May 28 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 15 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Mar 5 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 13 – Nov 12 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 12 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 12 | — | May 28 | — | Sep 24 – Nov 26 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Mar 5 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 23 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 22 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 26 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jun 25 – Sep 3 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Apr 2 | Apr 9 | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 26 | — | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 12 | May 14 | May 28 | — | Aug 6 – Nov 12 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 16 | May 21 | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Dafter
ZIP Codes in Dafter
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):