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Zone 6b Planting Calendar

Zone 6b Zone 6b July

Your July gardening checklist

A quick July briefing for Zone 6b gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost April 18
Avg. first frost October 21
  1. Pick basil, carrots, and cucumber

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

Coming up in August — start thinking about
  • First harvests: basil, cucumber, and green beans
  • Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Get your free Zone 6b 2026 Planting Guide →

Zone 6b has an average minimum temperature range of -5°F to 0°F. The average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you approximately 205 days in the growing season.

There are 222 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 6b.

Zone 6b Long season
205 days
❄
Last Spring Frost April 3
➔ 205 growing days ➔
❄
First Fall Frost October 25
Zone 6b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 3 First Frost: Oct 25

States That Include Zone 6b

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 6b.

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 6b

Based on July 2026 planting windows.

Acorn Squash Harvest Jul 10 – Aug 14 Ageratum Harvest May 29 – Sep 11 Alpine Strawberries Harvest Jul 24 – Nov 6 Amaranth Harvest Jul 17 – Sep 4 Anise Harvest Jun 26 – Sep 11 Arugula Harvest May 8 – Jul 10 Astilbe Harvest Jun 19 – Aug 28 Bachelor's Button Harvest Jun 5 – Aug 28

See all July plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 6b.

Vegetables for Zone 6b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 10 – Aug 14 80–100
Amaranth Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Sep 4 90–120
Arugula Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jul 10 30–50
Asparagus — — Apr 17 — 730–1095
Beets — Mar 20 — May 15 – Jun 12 50–70
Belgian Endive Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 24 – Sep 18 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Jul 31 60–90
Black Beans — Apr 10 — Jul 10 – Aug 28 90–120
Bok Choy Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 19 40–60
Broccoli Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Jul 17 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 19 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 3 – Aug 28 90–130
Butternut Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Aug 21 85–110
Cabbage Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Jul 31 60–100
Calabash Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 10 – Sep 4 80–120
Carrots — Mar 20 — May 22 – Jun 26 60–80
Cauliflower Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 31 55–100
Celeriac Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 17 – Aug 21 100–120
Celery Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 26 – Aug 21 80–120
Celtuce Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Jul 17 60–90
Chard Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 17 50–60
Chickpeas Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 26 – Aug 7 80–110
Chicory Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Jul 17 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jun 26 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 10 – Aug 14 80–100
Collard Greens Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 31 55–75
Corn — Apr 10 — Jun 12 – Aug 7 60–100
Cowpeas — Apr 10 — Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–90
Cress Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Apr 17 – May 8 14–21
Crookneck Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 5 – Jul 3 45–60
Crosne — Mar 20 — Aug 21 – Oct 2 150–200
Cucumber Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–70
Daikon — Mar 20 — May 15 – Jun 12 50–70
Delicata Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 10 – Aug 14 80–100
Edamame — Apr 10 — Jun 26 – Aug 7 75–100
Eggplant Jan 23 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 28 65–85
Endive Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 22 – Jun 26 45–65
Escarole Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jun 26 50–70
Fava Beans Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 19 – Jul 31 75–100
Fennel Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Jul 31 60–90
Garlic — — — Dec 13 – Mar 28 90–240
Green Beans — Apr 10 — Jun 5 – Jul 31 50–65
Horseradish — — Apr 17 Aug 21 – Oct 30 120–180
Hot Peppers Jan 23 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 26 – Oct 2 70–120
Hubbard Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 31 – Sep 4 100–120
Kabocha Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Aug 14 85–100
Kai Lan Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 22 – Jun 19 45–60
Kale Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 24 50–70
Kidney Beans — Apr 10 — Jul 10 – Aug 14 85–110
Kohlrabi Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 22 – Jun 26 45–65
Komatsuna Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jun 12 35–50
Leeks Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 3 – Sep 18 90–150
Lentils Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 26 – Aug 7 80–110
Lettuce Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jul 17 30–60
Lima Beans — Apr 10 — Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–90
Loofah Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 31 – Oct 2 100–150
Luffa Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Oct 2 90–150
Mache Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 19 40–60
Melon Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 14 70–100
Microgreens Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Apr 10 – May 8 7–21
Mitsuba Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 22 – Jul 17 50–70
Mizuna Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jun 5 30–45
Mustard Greens Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jul 10 30–50
Napa Cabbage Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 3 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Jul 10 55–70
Okra Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–65
Onion Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 3 – Aug 21 90–120
Pac Choi Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 12 40–55
Parsnip — Mar 20 — Jul 3 – Aug 14 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 5 – Jul 3 45–60
Peas Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 24 55–70
Peppers Jan 23 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 55–70
Potatoes Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 26 – Sep 4 70–120
Pumpkin Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Sep 4 85–120
Purslane Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 19 40–60
Radicchio Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Jul 10 60–80
Radish — Mar 20 — Apr 17 – May 8 22–35
Rhubarb — — Apr 24 — 365–730
Romanesco Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 19 – Jul 31 75–100
Rutabaga — Mar 20 — Jun 12 – Jul 17 80–100
Salsify — Mar 20 — Jul 3 – Aug 14 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jun 12 – Aug 7 70–110
Scallions Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jun 26 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Jul 24 60–80
Shallot Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 Jul 3 – Aug 21 90–120
Shiso Feb 13 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 7 55–70
Snow Peas Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 29 – Jul 24 50–65
Soybeans — Apr 10 — Jul 3 – Aug 28 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Aug 14 85–100
Spinach Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jul 10 35–50
Squash (Summer) Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 5 – Aug 7 45–65
Squash (Winter) Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 10 – Sep 4 80–120
Sunchoke — — Apr 17 Aug 7 – Oct 2 110–150
Sweet Corn — Apr 10 — Jun 12 – Jul 24 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Sep 4 90–120
Tatsoi Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 8 – Jun 12 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 19 – Aug 28 60–85
Turnip — Mar 20 — May 1 – Jun 5 40–60
Watercress Feb 27 Mar 20 Apr 3 May 15 – Jun 19 40–60
Watermelon Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 14 70–100
Wax Beans — Apr 10 — Jun 5 – Jul 31 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jul 17 – Sep 4 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 6 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Jul 24 55–80
Zucchini Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 5 – Jul 31 45–60

Fruits for Zone 6b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — Apr 24 Jul 24 – Nov 6 90–180
Aronia — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Blackberries — — Apr 24 — 365–730
Blueberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Boysenberries — — Apr 24 — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — Apr 24 Jul 3 – Aug 7 70–90
Che Fruit — — Apr 24 — 1095–1825
Cranberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Currants — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Elderberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Goji Berries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Gooseberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Grapes — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — Apr 24 Jul 3 – Aug 28 65–80
Hardy Kiwi — — Apr 24 — 1095–1825
Haskaps — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Honeydew — — Apr 24 Jul 17 – Aug 28 80–110
Jostaberry — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Lingonberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Medlar — — Apr 24 — 1095–1825
Mulberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1825
Pawpaw — — Apr 24 — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — Apr 24 — 1095–2555
Quince — — Apr 24 — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — Apr 24 — 365–730
Serviceberries — — Apr 24 — 730–1095
Strawberries — — Apr 24 Jul 24 – Nov 6 90–365

Herbs for Zone 6b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 — 365–730
Anise Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 Jun 26 – Sep 11 90–120
Basil Feb 13 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 14 50–75
Bee Balm — — Apr 10 Jul 10 – Sep 25 90–120
Borage Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 22 – Jul 10 50–60
Caraway Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 — 365–450
Catnip — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 14 60–80
Chamomile Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 29 – Aug 7 60–90
Chervil Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 8 – Jul 10 40–60
Chives — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Cilantro Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 8 – Jul 10 40–60
Comfrey — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Cumin Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 Jul 10 – Sep 11 100–120
Dill Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 8 – Jul 10 40–60
Epazote Feb 13 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 5 – Jul 31 45–60
Fennel (herb) Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 29 – Aug 7 60–90
Feverfew — — Apr 10 Jul 10 – Sep 25 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Horehound — — Apr 10 Jun 26 – Aug 21 75–90
Hyssop — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 21 70–90
Lemon Balm — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 31 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 21 70–90
Lovage — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 21 70–90
Marjoram — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Mint — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Oregano — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Parsley Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 29 – Jul 31 60–80
Rue — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 21 70–90
Sage — — Apr 10 Jun 26 – Aug 21 75–90
Savory — — Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 31 50–70
Sorrel Feb 27 Mar 20 Mar 27 May 8 – Jul 10 40–60
Tarragon — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Aug 21 60–90
Thai Basil Feb 13 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 – Aug 14 50–75
Thyme — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 21 70–90
Valerian — — Apr 10 Aug 14 – Oct 23 120–180

Flowers for Zone 6b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Ageratum Feb 13 Apr 3 Apr 3 May 29 – Sep 11 60–75
Alliums — — — Oct 11 – Nov 8 28–42
Anemones Mar 6 — Apr 3 May 1 – May 29 90–120
Astilbe Jan 30 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Aug 28 70–100
Bachelor's Button Feb 20 Mar 6 Apr 3 Jun 5 – Aug 28 60–90
Begonias Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Sep 25 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Jan 30 Apr 3 Apr 10 Jun 26 – Oct 16 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Jan 30 — Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 10 60–90
Calendula Feb 20 Mar 6 Apr 3 May 22 – Aug 28 50–70
California Poppy — Mar 6 — May 15 – Jul 10 60–90
Celosia Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 12 – Oct 2 60–90
Columbine Jan 30 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 10 70–100
Coreopsis Jan 30 Apr 3 Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 16 60–80
Cosmos Mar 6 Apr 3 Apr 3 Jun 12 – Sep 25 60–90
Crocus — — — Aug 2 – Aug 23 10–20
Daffodils — — — Aug 9 – Aug 30 20–40
Dahlias Mar 6 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 26 – Oct 16 70–120
Daylily Jan 30 — Apr 10 Jun 26 – Oct 16 60–90
Dianthus Feb 6 Mar 6 Mar 13 May 1 – Jul 31 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Jan 30 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 26 – Oct 16 70–90
Foxglove Jan 30 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 10 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Feb 13 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 23 70–100
Geraniums Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Sep 25 70–100
Gladiolus — Apr 3 Apr 3 Jun 19 – Oct 9 70–100
Hostas Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 26 – Oct 16 60–90
Hyacinths — — — Aug 30 – Sep 20 14–28
Hydrangeas Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 2 90–150
Impatiens Feb 6 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 2 60–75
Irises — — Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 3 60–100
Larkspur — Mar 6 — May 15 – Jul 10 60–90
Lavender Jan 23 — Apr 17 Jun 26 – Aug 21 90–120
Lilies — — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Sep 25 70–120
Lobelia Jan 30 — Mar 20 May 15 – Aug 7 70–80
Lupine Jan 30 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 5 – Jul 10 75–100
Marigolds Feb 20 Apr 3 Apr 3 May 29 – Sep 4 50–70
Nasturtium Mar 6 Apr 3 Apr 3 May 29 – Sep 25 55–65
Pansy Jan 23 — Apr 3 May 29 – Aug 7 70–90
Peonies — — Apr 10 Jun 12 – Jul 17 90–120
Petunia Feb 6 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 2 70–90
Phlox Jan 30 Apr 10 Apr 10 Jun 19 – Sep 11 80–110
Portulaca Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 10 May 29 – Sep 18 50–70
Ranunculus Feb 20 — Apr 3 May 8 – Jun 5 90–120
Roses Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 16 90–180
Salvia Jan 30 — Apr 3 Jun 12 – Sep 25 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Jan 30 — Apr 10 Jul 31 – Oct 23 60–90
Snapdragon Jan 23 Mar 13 Apr 3 Jun 12 – Aug 28 70–100
Sunflower Mar 13 Apr 3 Apr 3 Jun 26 – Sep 25 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Feb 20 Mar 13 Apr 3 May 15 – Jul 31 45–60
Sweet Pea Feb 20 Feb 27 Apr 3 Jun 19 – Aug 28 65–85
Tulips — — — Aug 30 – Sep 27 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Jan 23 — Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 2 70–90
Yarrow Jan 30 Apr 3 Apr 10 Jun 19 – Oct 16 60–90
Zinnia Mar 6 Apr 3 Apr 3 Jun 12 – Sep 18 60–70

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 6b?

Zone 6b supports 222 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 205-day growing season (last frost ~April 3, first frost ~October 25), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 6b?

USDA Zone 6b has an average annual minimum temperature of -5°F to 0°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 6b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is approximately April 3. The first fall frost averages around October 25, giving a growing season of about 205 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Composting Guide for Homesteaders

$27 $210 value

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
Start composting today →

Monthly Planting Guide for Zone 6b

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: July 2026.

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Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.

Plant varieties + growing data

Soil survey + temperature data

Drought monitoring

Household-consumption benchmarks

Derived

Other

Frost dates

Modeling

Precipitation + climate normals

Curated

Pest + disease pressure

Local extension offices

Daylight hours + sun data

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