Vanderbilt, MI — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
Your June planting checklist for Otsego County, Michigan
June is a pivotal month for Otsego County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Begin indoor sowing: basil, cucumber, and kale
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
-
Collect carrots, lettuce, and radish at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: peppers, pole beans, and tomatoes
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
Vanderbilt gardens in a maritime climate — mild wet winters, cool dry summers (33" 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 (13.7 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 8
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 13
📅 Growing Season
158 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 33.0" annual
💨 Wind
Moderate 7.3 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
13.7 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Vanderbilt
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
What this means for you: In humid climates, watering is usually about timing (morning, not evening, to prevent disease) more than volume. In dry climates, it's about depth (water deep, less often) more than frequency. Vanderbilt's 33" annual tells you which side you're on.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.7 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Mar | 2.3 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.9 in | 9 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| May | 4.5 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Jun | 4.5 in | 9 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 4.1 in | 8 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Aug | 3.8 in | 7 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Sep | 3 in | 8 days | 1.3 in | Moderate |
| Oct | 3 in | 9 days | 1.3 in | Moderate |
| Nov | 2.4 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Dec | 2.1 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 35.8 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.
Vanderbilt Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 31 | Nov 5 | 158 days |
| Cautious | May 17 | Oct 25 | 161 days |
| Average year | May 8 | Oct 13 | 158 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 28 | Oct 1 | 156 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 23 | Sep 18 | 148 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±37 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 1.1 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Otsego County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Otsego 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 Otsego County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Otsego 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 Otsego County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Otsego County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Otsego 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 Otsego County MI" or "garden center Otsego 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 Otsego County MI" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Otsego 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 Vanderbilt
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." Vanderbilt's latitude determines which to buy — and getting it wrong is the difference between baseball-sized bulbs and marbles.
Longest Day
15.4 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
8.6 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.5 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 | 3.6 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.2 hr | 4.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.6 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.3 hr | 7 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.7 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 15.4 hr | 9.5 hr | Long day |
| July | 15.1 hr | 9.4 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.9 hr | 8.4 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 7.5 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.7 hr | 5.6 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.3 hr | 3.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 8.6 hr | 3.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Vanderbilt
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
What this means for you: 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. Vanderbilt'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 | 25°F | 28°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 38°F | 38°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 55°F | 49°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jun | 65°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 73°F | 65°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 73°F | 66°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 65°F | 64°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 53°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Nov | 36°F | 43°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 23°F | 29°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 Vanderbilt
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Why it matters: Warm humid regions cycle through pest generations 3-5x faster than cold dry regions. Vanderbilt's pest score is your early-warning system: high score means commit to disease-resistant varieties and accept some crop loss to bugs.
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 | Low | Jun, Jul |
| Flea beetles | Low | 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 Vanderbilt
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
What this means for you: Why not just leave bare soil? Weed seeds, erosion, nutrient leaching, and crust formation. A cover crop solves all of these for the cost of seeds and one mowing.
Spring Cover Crops (2 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 17 | Aug 4 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| White clover | Apr 9 | Aug 4 | ✓ 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 7 | Sep 29 | — | 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 16 | Apr 17 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 28 | Apr 17 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Sep 4 | Apr 17 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 9 | Apr 24 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 11 | Apr 24 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Vanderbilt
For new gardeners: New gardeners under-plan for wind. Vanderbilt averages 7.3 mph — fine for most days. But every region has its windy days, and the first time a row of unstaked peppers leans over after a storm is a lesson you only need once.
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: 12 mph Winter: 12 mph
Prevailing wind: SW. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
6.9/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (179 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Vanderbilt
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why it matters: Building a rainwater system is mostly about doing the math: roof area × annual rainfall × 0.6 = gallons you could realistically capture. For Vanderbilt, that's your 33" times your roof.
Annual Collection
17,842 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 35.8 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 17,842 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 Vanderbilt
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Vanderbilt.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 22 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 28 – Oct 23 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 15 | — | — | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | May 22 – Jun 12 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 2 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Dec 1 – Feb 16 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 22 | — | Sep 25 – Nov 6 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Nov 6 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 15 | — | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Oct 23 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 21 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | May 15 – Jun 12 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 14 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 10 – Aug 14 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | May 22 – Jun 12 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Jul 31 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Aug 7 – Sep 25 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 15 | — | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 22 | — | Sep 11 – Nov 6 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 8 | Aug 4 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 15 | — | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 13 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Vanderbilt
27 fruits matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Vanderbilt.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 13 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 29 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 2 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 29 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | — | Aug 28 – Nov 13 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Vanderbilt
34 herbs matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Vanderbilt.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jul 31 – Oct 16 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 30 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 26 – Aug 14 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Aug 14 – Oct 16 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 30 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 4 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Apr 3 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 4 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 25 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 15 | — | Sep 18 – Oct 30 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Vanderbilt
51 flowers matched to Zone 5a with planting dates calibrated for Vanderbilt.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Oct 2 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Oct 6 – Nov 3 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 10 | — | May 8 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 6 | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 9 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 27 | Apr 17 | May 8 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 27 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Nov 6 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 6 | — | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 27 | Apr 17 | May 8 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 18 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Apr 3 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 23 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 6 | May 15 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Nov 6 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 10 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 10 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 30 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 6 | — | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Nov 6 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | Apr 24 | — | Jun 12 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Nov 6 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 13 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Nov 20 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 27 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 15 | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 30 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 27 | — | May 22 | — | Aug 14 – Nov 6 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 27 | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 23 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 13 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 10 | — | — | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 27 | — | May 29 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 23 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 27 | — | May 1 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 27 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Oct 2 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 10 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Oct 16 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 27 | — | May 8 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 13 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 6 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 23 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Apr 3 | May 22 | May 22 | — | Jul 10 – Oct 9 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 27 | — | May 22 | — | Aug 7 – Nov 6 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 6 | — | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 6 | — | May 22 | — | Sep 18 – Nov 20 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | May 8 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 17 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 16 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 8 | — | Jun 19 – Aug 28 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 27 | Apr 3 | May 8 | — | Jul 24 – Sep 25 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 20 | — | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Oct 16 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | — | Jul 31 – Nov 6 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 10 | May 15 | May 15 | — | Jul 24 – Oct 16 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Vanderbilt
ZIP Codes in Vanderbilt
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 Otsego County.
Your Otsego County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otsego 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