USDA Zone 6a planting calendar
In USDA Zone 6a, the average last spring frost is around 04/30 and the first fall frost around 10/15, giving roughly a 170-day growing season. Plant cool-season crops from late winter; warm-season crops after the last frost.
Last frost ~04/30
First frost ~10/15
~170-day season
112 NOAA stations
The year in Zone 6a
Jan2 tasksFeb12 tasksMar21 tasksApr38 tasksMay22 tasksJun2 tasksJul9 tasksAug4 tasksSep1 taskOct1 taskNov1 taskDec—
What to plant now (September)
Radishes
Sow for fall harvest
All crops in Zone 6a
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant / sow | Sow for fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | March 30 – April 6 | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Peppers | March 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Eggplant | March 23 – April 6 | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Basil | March 30 | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Broccoli | March 12 – March 19 | April 2 – April 16 | July 6 – July 20 |
| Cabbage | February 19 – March 5 | March 26 – April 9 | May 27 – June 10 |
| Cauliflower | March 5 – March 19 | April 9 – April 23 | July 11 – July 25 |
| Brussels Sprouts | February 26 – March 12 | April 2 – April 16 | — |
| Kale | February 19 – March 5 | March 26 – April 9 | July 16 – July 30 |
| Lettuce | March 2 – March 9 | March 30 – April 13 | July 1 – July 15 |
| Spinach | — | March 23 – April 6 | August 10 – August 24 |
| Onions | January 22 – February 5 | March 26 – April 9 | — |
| Leeks | January 29 – February 12 | April 2 – April 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | March 5 – March 12 | April 9 – April 23 | — |
| Radishes | — | April 2 – April 16 | August 25 – September 8 |
| Turnips | — | April 2 – April 16 | July 26 – August 9 |
| Beets | — | April 9 – April 23 | July 21 – August 4 |
| Carrots | — | April 23 – May 7 | June 21 – July 5 |
| Peas | — | March 19 – April 2 | July 16 – July 30 |
| Beans | — | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Cucumbers | April 13 – April 20 | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Summer Squash & Zucchini | April 16 – April 23 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Winter Squash | April 16 – April 23 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Pumpkins | April 16 – April 23 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons | April 16 – April 23 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Okra | April 9 – April 23 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Potatoes | — | April 13 – April 27 | — |
| Parsley | February 2 – February 9 | April 6 – April 20 | — |
| Collards | February 19 – March 5 | March 26 – April 9 | July 1 – July 15 |
| Watermelon | April 16 – April 23 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 4 – May 18 | — |
| Celery | February 12 – February 26 | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Kohlrabi | February 19 – March 5 | March 26 – April 9 | — |
| Artichoke | February 5 – March 5 | April 23 – May 7 | — |
| Asparagus | — | March 30 – April 13 | — |
| Cilantro | — | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Dill | — | April 13 – April 27 | — |
| Oregano | February 26 – March 12 | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sage | March 12 – March 26 | April 30 – May 14 | — |
| Thyme | February 26 – March 12 | April 30 – May 14 | — |
Fall bulb planting in Zone 6a
| Crop | Plant cloves (fall) | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | October 19 – November 2 | Following summer |
Last verified 2026-09-12. Frost: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 Climate Normals. Zone: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM-derived). Planting rules: UNH Extension, Johnny's Selected Seeds, UGA Extension.