Zone 4b Planting Calendar
Zone 4b has an average minimum temperature range of -25°F to -20°F. The average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you approximately 155 days in the growing season.
There are 150 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 4b.
Zone 4b
Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost
May 1
➔
155 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 3
Zone 4b
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 1
First Frost: Oct 3
States That Include Zone 4b
Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 4b.
Growing Season Comparison
Growing Season by Zone
Zone 10a
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Zone 1a
Jun 15 – Aug 15
Zone 1b
Jun 7 – Aug 25
Zone 2a
May 30 – Sep 1
Zone 2b
May 22 – Sep 10
Zone 3a
May 15 – Sep 15
Zone 4a
May 6 – Sep 28
Zone 4b ◄
May 1 – Oct 3
Zone 5a
Apr 25 – Oct 8
Zone 5b
Apr 18 – Oct 13
Zone 6a
Apr 10 – Oct 20
Zone 6b
Apr 3 – Oct 25
Zone 7a
Mar 25 – Nov 1
Zone 7b
Mar 18 – Nov 8
Zone 8a
Mar 8 – Nov 18
Zone 8b
Feb 25 – Nov 28
Zone 9a
Feb 10 – Dec 10
0
90
180
270
365 days
What to Plant Right Now in Zone 4b
Based on April 2026 planting windows.
Acorn Squash
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Angelica
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Anise
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Arugula
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Beets
Direct Sow
Apr 24 – May 15
Belgian Endive
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Bok Choy
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
Borage
Start Indoors
Mar 20 – Apr 3
All Planting Windows at a Glance
This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 4b.
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F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Start Indoors
Transplant Outdoors
Direct Sow
Fall Sowing
Harvest
Vegetables for Zone 4b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 110–150 |
| Black Beans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 25 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 60–100 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 14 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 60–100 |
| Cress | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | May 15 – Jun 5 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 24 | — | Sep 25 – Sep 18 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 15 | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | 75–100 |
| Endive | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 15 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 | 120–180 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 17 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 14 – Sep 18 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 24 – Sep 4 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | May 8 – Jun 5 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 19 – Aug 14 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 | 55–75 |
| Onion | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Aug 7 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 13 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Oct 9 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 24 | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 24 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 21 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 15 | — | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 18 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 15 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 15 | — | Jul 17 – Aug 28 | 60–90 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 24 – Oct 2 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 24 | — | Jun 5 – Jul 10 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | May 1 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 15 | — | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 50–65 |
| Zucchini | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 | 45–60 |
Fruits for Zone 4b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 23 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 29 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 | 70–90 |
| 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 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 29 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 29 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 29 | Aug 28 – Oct 23 | 90–365 |
Herbs for Zone 4b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 8 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Dill | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | May 8 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 | 120–180 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Sep 4 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 8 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 | 60–70 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 8 | Jul 24 – Sep 18 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 8 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 – Aug 7 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 6 | May 8 | May 22 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 8 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 8 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 | 90–120 |
Recommended for Your Garden
LED Grow Lights
$25-60
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Seedling Heat Mat
$15-35
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Floating Row Covers
$12-30
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in Zone 4b?
Zone 4b supports 150 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 155-day growing season (last frost ~May 1, first frost ~October 3), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.
What is Zone 4b?
USDA Zone 4b has an average annual minimum temperature of -25°F to -20°F.
When is the last frost in Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is approximately May 1. The first fall frost averages around October 3, giving a growing season of about 155 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.
