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Zone 5b Planting Calendar

Zone 5b has an average minimum temperature range of -15°F to -10°F. The average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you approximately 178 days in the growing season.

There are 170 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 5b.

Zone 5b Moderate season
178 days
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Last Spring Frost April 18
➔ 178 growing days ➔
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First Fall Frost October 13
Zone 5b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 18 First Frost: Oct 13

States That Include Zone 5b

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 5b.

AL — Zone 7b AL AR — Zone 7b AR AZ — Zone 8a AZ CA — Zone 9a CA CO — Zone 5a CO CT — Zone 6b CT DE — Zone 7a DE FL — Zone 9a FL GA — Zone 7b GA IA — Zone 5a IA ID — Zone 5b ID IL — Zone 5b IL IN — Zone 6a IN KS — Zone 6a KS KY — Zone 6b KY LA — Zone 8b LA MA — Zone 6a MA MD — Zone 7a MD ME — Zone 4b ME MI — Zone 5b MI MN — Zone 4a MN MO — Zone 6a MO MS — Zone 8a MS MT — Zone 4b MT NC — Zone 7a NC ND — Zone 3b ND NE — Zone 5a NE NH — Zone 5a NH NJ — Zone 7a NJ NM — Zone 6b NM NV — Zone 6b NV NY — Zone 5b NY OH — Zone 6a OH OK — Zone 7a OK OR — Zone 7a OR PA — Zone 6a PA RI — Zone 6b RI SC — Zone 8a SC SD — Zone 4a SD TN — Zone 7a TN TX — Zone 8a TX UT — Zone 5b UT VA — Zone 7a VA VT — Zone 4b VT WA — Zone 7a WA WI — Zone 4b WI WV — Zone 6a WV WY — Zone 4a WY AK — Zone 2a AK HI — Zone 11a HI
Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Growing Season Comparison

What to Plant Right Now in Zone 5b

Based on April 2026 planting windows.

🥬 Acorn Squash Direct Sow Apr 25 – May 16 🥬 Amaranth Direct Sow Apr 25 – May 16 🌿 Angelica Transplant Outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 25 🌿 Anise Transplant Outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 25 🥬 Arugula Transplant Outdoors Apr 18 – May 2 🌿 Basil Direct Sow Apr 25 – May 16 🌿 Bee Balm Transplant Outdoors Apr 25 – May 9 🥬 Beets Direct Sow Apr 4 – Apr 25

See all April plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 5b.

Vegetables for Zone 5b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Amaranth Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Arugula Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jul 25 30–50
Asparagus — — May 2 — 730–1095
Beets — Apr 4 — May 30 – Jun 27 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 8 – Oct 3 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Black Beans — Apr 25 — Jul 25 – Sep 12 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Broccoli Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 18 – Sep 12 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 5 85–110
Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 15 60–100
Calabash Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Sep 19 80–120
Carrots — Apr 4 — Jun 6 – Jul 11 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 15 55–100
Celeriac Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Aug 1 – Sep 5 100–120
Celery Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 11 – Sep 5 80–120
Celtuce Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–90
Chard Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 1 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 11 – Aug 22 80–110
Chicory Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 20 – Aug 1 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 15 55–75
Corn — Apr 25 — Jun 27 – Aug 22 60–100
Cowpeas — Apr 25 — Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Cress Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 2 – May 23 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Jul 18 45–60
Crosne — Apr 4 — Sep 5 – Sep 19 150–200
Cucumber Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–70
Daikon — Apr 4 — May 30 – Jun 27 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Aug 29 80–100
Edamame — Apr 25 — Jul 11 – Aug 22 75–100
Eggplant Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 12 65–85
Endive Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 6 – Jul 11 45–65
Escarole Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 4 – Aug 15 75–100
Fennel Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Garlic — — — — 90–240
Green Beans — Apr 25 — Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–65
Horseradish — — May 2 Sep 5 – Oct 17 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Oct 17 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 15 – Sep 19 100–120
Kabocha Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Aug 29 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 6 – Jul 4 45–60
Kale Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–70
Kidney Beans — Apr 25 — Jul 25 – Aug 29 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 6 – Jul 11 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jun 27 35–50
Leeks Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 18 – Oct 3 90–150
Lentils Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 11 – Aug 22 80–110
Lettuce Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Aug 1 30–60
Lima Beans — Apr 25 — Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Mache Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Melon Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 29 70–100
Microgreens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Apr 25 – May 23 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Aug 1 50–70
Mizuna Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jun 20 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jul 25 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Jul 18 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Jul 25 55–70
Okra Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–65
Onion Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 18 – Sep 5 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jun 27 40–55
Parsnip — Apr 4 — Jul 18 – Aug 29 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Jul 18 45–60
Peas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 55–70
Peppers Feb 7 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 55–70
Potatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 19 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 85–120
Purslane Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Radicchio Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 20 – Jul 25 60–80
Radish — Apr 4 — May 2 – May 23 22–35
Rhubarb — — May 9 — 365–730
Romanesco Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 4 – Aug 15 75–100
Rutabaga — Apr 4 — Jun 27 – Aug 1 80–100
Salsify — Apr 4 — Jul 18 – Aug 29 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 27 – Aug 22 70–110
Scallions Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Aug 8 60–80
Shallot Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jul 18 – Sep 5 90–120
Shiso Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 13 – Aug 8 50–65
Soybeans — Apr 25 — Jul 18 – Sep 12 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Aug 29 85–100
Spinach Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jul 25 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 22 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 25 – Sep 19 80–120
Sunchoke — — May 2 Aug 22 – Oct 17 110–150
Sunflower Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 29 70–100
Sweet Corn — Apr 25 — Jun 27 – Aug 8 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 23 – Jun 27 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–85
Turnip — Apr 4 — May 16 – Jun 20 40–60
Watercress Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 18 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Watermelon Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jul 11 – Aug 29 70–100
Wax Beans — Apr 25 — Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 21 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 8 55–80
Zucchini Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 15 45–60

Fruits for Zone 5b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — May 9 Aug 8 – Oct 24 90–180
Aronia — — May 9 — 730–1095
Blackberries — — May 9 — 365–730
Blueberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Boysenberries — — May 9 — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — May 9 Jul 18 – Aug 22 70–90
Che Fruit — — May 9 — 1095–1825
Cranberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Currants — — May 9 — 730–1095
Elderberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Goji Berries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Gooseberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Grapes — — May 9 — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 12 65–80
Hardy Kiwi — — May 9 — 1095–1825
Haskaps — — May 9 — 730–1095
Honeydew — — May 9 Aug 1 – Sep 12 80–110
Jostaberry — — May 9 — 730–1095
Lingonberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Medlar — — May 9 — 1095–1825
Mulberries — — May 9 — 730–1825
Pawpaw — — May 9 — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — May 9 — 1095–2555
Quince — — May 9 — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — May 9 — 365–730
Serviceberries — — May 9 — 730–1095
Strawberries — — May 9 Aug 8 – Oct 24 90–365

Herbs for Zone 5b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 — 365–730
Anise Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jul 11 – Sep 26 90–120
Basil Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 29 50–75
Bee Balm — — Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120
Borage Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jun 6 – Jul 25 50–60
Caraway Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 — 365–450
Catnip — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 29 60–80
Chamomile Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Aug 22 60–90
Chervil Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Chives — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Cilantro Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Comfrey — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Cumin Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jul 25 – Sep 26 100–120
Dill Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Echinacea — — Apr 25 Aug 29 – Oct 10 120–180
Epazote Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 20 – Aug 15 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Aug 22 60–90
Feverfew — — Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Horehound — — Apr 25 Jul 11 – Sep 5 75–90
Hyssop — — Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Lavender — — Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–200
Lemon Balm — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Aug 15 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Lovage — — Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Mint — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Oregano — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Parsley Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 Jun 13 – Aug 15 60–80
Rue — — Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Sage — — Apr 25 Jul 11 – Sep 5 75–90
Savory — — Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–70
Sorrel Mar 14 Apr 4 Apr 11 May 23 – Jul 25 40–60
Tarragon — — Apr 25 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 28 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 29 50–75
Thyme — — Apr 25 Jul 4 – Sep 5 70–90
Valerian — — Apr 25 Aug 29 – Oct 10 120–180
Yarrow — — Apr 25 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120

Recommended for Your Garden

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Essential for starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

Know your soil before you plant for best results.

🔧
Hand Trowel $8-18

Essential garden hand trowel for planting, transplanting, and weeding.

A must-have tool for every gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I grow in Zone 5b?

Zone 5b supports 170 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 178-day growing season (last frost ~April 18, first frost ~October 13), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 5b?

USDA Zone 5b has an average annual minimum temperature of -15°F to -10°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 5b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is approximately April 18. The first fall frost averages around October 13, giving a growing season of about 178 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

Level Up Your Garden

Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold. Step-by-step composting for any backyard.

Start Composting →

Monthly Planting Guide for Zone 5b

Other Zones

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.

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