We have created a comprehensive vegetable planting guide for USDA Zones 5-6.
These moderate climate zones, have average annual minimum and maximum temperatures ranging from -20°F to 0°F (-28.9°C to -17.8°C) and 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C). They therefore offer an excellent growing season for a wide variety of vegetables.
With last frost dates typically occurring between mid-April and mid-May and first frost dates between late September and mid-October, gardeners in these zones enjoy approximately 5-6 months of prime growing conditions.
This guide provides specific timing for indoor starting, direct sowing, transplanting, and harvesting of common garden vegetables. By following these recommendations and utilizing season-extension techniques like row covers, cold frames, and succession planting, you can maximize your garden’s productivity throughout the growing season. The detailed variety recommendations are selected specifically for success in Zones 5-6 conditions.
Use the at-a-glance calendar for quick reference and explore the detailed growing information for specific tips on each vegetable.
You should read alongside our monthly vegetable gardening calendar for Zones 5-6, which sets out all your sowing, planting and harvesting tasks on a month by month basis.
This comprehensive vegetable planting guide for USDA Zones 5-6 provides specific information for each vegetable including:
- When to sow (indoors and outdoors)
- When to transplant
- When to harvest
- Recommended varieties that perform well in these zones
- Specific growing tips for cool temperate conditions
The guide is tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities of zones 5-6:
- A moderate growing season (typically 150-180 frost-free days)
- Cold winters but with potential for some fall-planted crops
- The ability to grow most vegetables with proper timing
- The need for season extension techniques at both ends of the growing season
Planting Calendar At-a-Glance
| Vegetable | Indoor Sowing | Direct Sowing | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aubergine (Eggplant) | Mar-Apr | Not recommended | Mid-May to early Jun | Jul-Oct |
| Broad Beans (Fava) | Not recommended | Mar-Apr, Oct (optional) | Not recommended | Jun-Jul |
| French/Runner Beans | Apr | May-Jul | Mid-May | Jul-Oct |
| Beetroot (Beets) | Not common | Apr-Jul, Aug (fall) | May | Jun-Oct |
| Broccoli (Calabrese) | Mar-Apr, Jun (fall) | Not common | Apr-May, Jul (fall) | Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct |
| Broccoli – Purple Sprouting | May-Jun | Not recommended | Jun-Jul | Mar-Apr (following year) |
| Brussels Sprouts | Apr-May | Not recommended | May-Jun | Sep-Nov |
| Cabbage – Spring | Feb-Mar | Not recommended | Apr | Jun-Jul |
| Cabbage – Summer | Mar-Apr | Not recommended | Apr-May | Jul-Aug |
| Cabbage – Red/Savoy (Autumn) | May-Jun | Not recommended | Jun-Jul | Sep-Nov |
| Carrots | Not recommended | Apr-Jul, Aug (fall) | Not recommended | Jun-Nov |
| Cauliflower – Summer | Mar-Apr | Not recommended | Apr-May | Jun-Aug |
| Cauliflower – Fall | May-Jun | Not recommended | Jun-Jul | Sep-Nov |
| Celeriac | Feb-Mar | Not recommended | May-Jun | Sep-Nov |
| Celery | Feb-Mar | Not recommended | May | Jul-Oct |
| Chard (Swiss Chard) | Optional | Apr-Jul | May | Jun-Nov |
| Courgettes/Marrows (Zucchini) | Apr | May-Jun | May-Jun | Jun-Oct |
| Cucumbers | Apr | May-Jun | May-Jun | Jul-Sep |
| Garlic | Not applicable | Oct-Nov, early Apr | Not applicable | Jul-Aug |
| Kohl Rabi | Optional | Apr-Jul, Aug (fall) | May | May-Oct |
| Melons | Apr | Not recommended | Late May-Jun | Jul-Sep |
| Kale | Optional | Apr-Jul, Aug (fall/winter) | May | Jun-Dec |
| Lettuce | Optional | Apr-Sep | Apr-Sep | May-Nov |
| Leeks | Feb-Mar | Not recommended | Apr-May | Jul-Dec |
| Onions | Feb-Mar | Apr (sets) | Apr-May | Jul-Sep |
| Spring Onions (Scallions) | Not common | Apr-Aug | Not common | May-Oct |
| Parsnips | Not recommended | Apr-May | Not recommended | Sep-Mar |
| Peas | Optional | Mar-May, Aug (fall-zone 6) | Apr-May | May-Jul, Oct-Nov |
| Peppers (Sweet & Chilli) | Mar-Apr | Not recommended | Mid-May to early Jun | Jul-Oct |
| Potatoes | Not applicable | Apr-May | Not applicable | Jul-Sep |
| Pumpkins/Squash | Apr-May | Late May-Jun | Late May-Jun | Aug-Oct |
| Radish | Not recommended | Apr-Sep | Not recommended | May-Oct |
| Rocket (Arugula) | Not common | Apr-Sep | Not common | May-Nov |
| Spinach | Not common | Mar-May, Aug-Sep (fall) | Not common | May-Jun, Sep-Nov |
| Sweet Corn | Optional | May-Jun | Late May-Jun | Jul-Oct |
| Turnips | Not recommended | Apr-May, Jul-Aug (fall) | Not recommended | Jun-Nov |
| Swedes (Rutabaga) | Not recommended | May-Jun | Not recommended | Sep-Nov |
| Tomatoes | Mar-Apr | Not recommended | Mid-May to early Jun | Jul-Oct |
Detailed Growing Information
Aubergine (Eggplant)
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr (8 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Mid-May to early Jun (2-3 weeks after last frost)
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: Needs warm soil to thrive. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Choose varieties that mature in 70-80 days like ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Millionaire’, or ‘Fairy Tale’.
Broad Beans (Fava)
- Direct sow: Mar-Apr (as soon as soil can be worked); optional Oct (for zones with milder winters)
- Harvest: Jun-Jul
- Tips: Prefers cool growing conditions. Can handle light frosts. Fall planting can work in zone 6 with good mulch protection.
French/Runner Beans
- Sow indoors: Apr (3-4 weeks before last frost)
- Direct sow: May-Jul (after frost)
- Transplant: Mid-May (after all danger of frost)
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: Succession plant every 2-3 weeks until mid-July for continuous harvest. Pole beans produce longer into the season.
Beetroot (Beets)
- Direct sow: Apr-Jul (as soon as soil can be worked); Aug (for fall crop)
- Transplant: May (if started indoors, though direct sowing is preferred)
- Harvest: Jun-Oct
- Tips: Succession plant every 3-4 weeks. Fall crop often produces the sweetest beets. ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Bull’s Blood’ perform well.
Broccoli (Calabrese)
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr (4-6 weeks before last frost); Jun (for fall crop)
- Transplant: Apr-May (spring crop); Jul (fall crop)
- Harvest: Jun-Jul (spring planting); Sep-Oct (fall planting)
- Tips: Prefers cool weather. Heat-resistant varieties like ‘Belstar’ work well for summer.
Broccoli – Purple Sprouting
- Sow indoors: May-Jun
- Transplant: Jun-Jul
- Harvest: Mar-Apr the following year
- Tips: Overwintering is possible in zone 6 and protected areas of zone 5 with mulch. Provide wind protection.
Brussels Sprouts
- Sow indoors: Apr-May (4-6 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: May-Jun
- Harvest: Sep-Nov (flavor improves after frost)
- Tips: Long-season crop that performs well in cool climates. ‘Churchill’ and ‘Diablo’ are reliable varieties. Side-dress with nitrogen midseason.
Cabbage – Spring
- Sow indoors: Feb-Mar (6-8 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Apr (after danger of hard frost)
- Harvest: Jun-Jul
- Tips: Use fast-maturing varieties like ‘Stonehead’ or ‘Golden Acre’.
Cabbage – Summer
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr
- Transplant: Apr-May
- Harvest: Jul-Aug
- Tips: Plant heat-resistant varieties that won’t split in summer conditions. ‘Primo’ and ‘Gonzales’ are good choices.
Cabbage – Red/Savoy (Autumn)
- Sow indoors: May-Jun
- Transplant: Jun-Jul
- Harvest: Sep-Nov
- Tips: Fall cabbage can withstand frosts, which improve flavor. ‘Ruby Perfection’ (red) and ‘Savoy Ace’ (savoy) are reliable choices.
Carrots
- Direct sow: Apr-Jul (as soon as soil can be worked); Aug (for fall crop)
- Harvest: Jun-Nov
- Tips: Succession plant every 3 weeks. Keep soil consistently moist for best germination. Fall carrots can be left in ground with heavy mulch for winter harvest in zone 6.
Cauliflower – Summer
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr (4-6 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Apr-May
- Harvest: Jun-Aug
- Tips: Self-blanching varieties like ‘Snow Crown’ simplify growing. Water consistently to prevent button heads.
Cauliflower – Fall
- Sow indoors: May-Jun
- Transplant: Jun-Jul
- Harvest: Sep-Nov
- Tips: Fall cauliflower often produces better heads in cooling temperatures. Try ‘Amazing’ and ‘Skywalker’.
Celeriac
- Sow indoors: Feb-Mar (10-12 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: May-Jun
- Harvest: Sep-Nov
- Tips: Requires a long growing season. Provide consistent moisture throughout growing season. ‘Monarch’ and ‘Brilliant’ are reliable varieties.
Celery
- Sow indoors: Feb-Mar (10-12 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: May
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: Requires consistent moisture and rich soil. Self-blanching varieties like ‘Tango’ are easier for home gardeners. Mulch helps maintain soil moisture.
Chard (Swiss Chard)
- Direct sow: Apr-Jul (as soon as soil can be worked)
- Transplant: May (if started indoors)
- Harvest: Jun-Nov
- Tips: Highly cold-tolerant and heat-resistant. Can be harvested until hard freeze. ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ are popular varieties.
Courgettes/Marrows (Zucchini)
- Sow indoors: Apr (3-4 weeks before last frost)
- Direct sow: May-Jun (after frost)
- Transplant: May-Jun
- Harvest: Jun-Oct
- Tips: Black plastic mulch helps warm soil. Harvest frequently for continued production. ‘Black Beauty’ for traditional and ‘Yellowfin’ for yellow zucchini.
Cucumbers
- Sow indoors: Apr (3-4 weeks before last frost)
- Direct sow: May-Jun (after frost)
- Transplant: May-Jun (after soil has warmed)
- Harvest: Jul-Sep
- Tips: Bush types work well for small gardens; vining types for trellising. ‘Marketmore 76’ is disease-resistant; ‘Lemon’ is an interesting heirloom variety.
Garlic
- Direct sow: Oct-Nov (before ground freezes) or early Apr (spring planting)
- Harvest: Jul-Aug
- Tips: Fall planting produces larger bulbs. Mulch for winter protection. Hardneck varieties like ‘Music’ and ‘German Red’ do well in zones 5-6.
Kohl Rabi
- Direct sow: Apr-Jul (as soon as soil can be worked); Aug (for fall crop)
- Transplant: May (if started indoors)
- Harvest: May-Oct
- Tips: Fast-growing crop that performs well in cool weather. ‘Early White Vienna’ and ‘Kolibri’ (purple) are reliable varieties. Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter.
Melons
- Sow indoors: Apr (4 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Late May-Jun (when soil is thoroughly warm)
- Harvest: Jul-Sep
- Tips: Choose shorter-season varieties (75-85 days) like ‘Minnesota Midget’ cantaloupe or ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon. Black plastic mulch and row covers help warm soil.
Kale
- Direct sow: Apr-Jul (as soon as soil can be worked); Aug (for fall/winter crop)
- Transplant: May (if started indoors)
- Harvest: Jun-Dec
- Tips: Extremely cold-hardy and improves in flavor after frost. ‘Lacinato’ (Dinosaur) and ‘Red Russian’ are popular varieties. Fall crop can often be harvested into early winter.
Lettuce
- Direct sow: Apr-Sep (succession plant every 2 weeks)
- Transplant: Apr-Sep (if started indoors)
- Harvest: May-Nov
- Tips: Heat-resistant varieties like ‘Muir’ and ‘Nevada’ for summer; cold-tolerant types like ‘Winter Density’ for fall.
Leeks
- Sow indoors: Feb-Mar (8-10 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Apr-May
- Harvest: Jul-Dec
- Tips: Plant deeply and mound soil as they grow for more white stem. ‘King Richard’ matures early; ‘Bleu de Solaise’ is very cold-hardy for late harvest.
Onions
- Sow indoors: Feb-Mar (8-10 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Apr-May
- Harvest: Jul-Sep
- Tips: Use “long-day” onion varieties in zones 5-6. ‘Patterson’, ‘Copra’, and ‘Walla Walla’ perform well. Sets can be planted as soon as soil can be worked.
Spring Onions (Scallions)
- Direct sow: Apr-Aug (succession plant every few weeks)
- Harvest: May-Oct
- Tips: ‘Parade’ and ‘Evergreen Hardy White’ are reliable varieties.
Parsnips
- Direct sow: Apr-May (as soon as soil can be worked)
- Harvest: Sep-Mar (sweetest after frost)
- Tips: Long-season crop that improves with frost. ‘Hollow Crown’ and ‘Harris Model’ are traditional favorites. Can be left in ground with heavy mulch for winter harvest.
Peas
- Direct sow: Mar-May (as soon as soil can be worked); Aug (for fall crop in zone 6)
- Transplant: Apr-May (if started indoors)
- Harvest: May-Jul; Oct-Nov (fall crop)
- Tips: Early spring crop does best. ‘Sugar Snap’, ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’, and ‘Little Marvel’ are reliable. Fall crop possible in zone 6 if planted by early August.
Peppers (Sweet & Chilli)
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr (8 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Mid-May to early Jun (after soil is warm)
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: Bell peppers like ‘California Wonder’ and ‘King of the North’ perform well. For hot peppers, ‘Hungarian Wax’ and ‘Jalapeño’ are reliable in cooler climates.
Potatoes
- Plant: Apr-May (when soil temp reaches about 50°F)
- Harvest: Jul-Sep (depending on variety)
- Tips: Early varieties like ‘Red Norland’ and ‘Yukon Gold’ mature in 70-90 days. Maincrop types like ‘Kennebec’ take longer but store better.
Pumpkins/Squash
- Sow indoors: Apr-May (3-4 weeks before last frost)
- Direct sow: Late May-Jun (after frost)
- Transplant: Late May-Jun (after soil has warmed)
- Harvest: Aug-Oct
- Tips: For pumpkins, ‘Connecticut Field’ and ‘Jack Be Little’ are reliable. Winter squash like ‘Buttercup’ and ‘Delicata’ store well. Summer squash types produce earlier.
Radish
- Direct sow: Apr-Sep (succession plant)
- Harvest: May-Oct (3-4 weeks after sowing)
- Tips: Quick-growing crop perfect for succession planting. ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, and ‘White Icicle’ mature in just 3-4 weeks. Winter radishes like ‘Daikon’ are sown in late summer.
Rocket (Arugula)
- Direct sow: Apr-Sep (succession plant every 2-3 weeks)
- Harvest: May-Nov
- Tips: Cool-season crop that grows quickly. Heat makes it bolt and become bitter; grow in partial shade during summer.
Spinach
- Direct sow: Mar-May; Aug-Sep (for fall crop)
- Harvest: May-Jun; Sep-Nov
- Tips: Spring crop often bolts in June heat; fall crop more reliable. ‘Bloomsdale’ is a reliable heirloom; ‘Tyee’ and ‘Space’ resist bolting better in warm weather.
Sweet Corn
- Direct sow: May-Jun (when soil warms to 60°F or 2 weeks after last frost)
- Transplant: Late May-Jun (if started indoors)
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: Choose varieties suited to your season length. ‘Bodacious’ (yellow) and ‘Silver Queen’ (white) are reliable choices. Succession plant every 2 weeks for extended harvest.
Turnips
- Direct sow: Apr-May; Jul-Aug (for fall crop)
- Harvest: Jun-Nov
- Tips: Fast-growing crop. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a standard variety. Fall-grown turnips have sweeter flavor. Harvest baby turnips for tender roots.
Swedes (Rutabaga)
- Direct sow: May-Jun
- Harvest: Sep-Nov
- Tips: Longer-growing than turnips but very cold-hardy. ‘American Purple Top’ is the classic variety. Flavor improves after frost. Can be stored for winter use.
Tomatoes
- Sow indoors: Mar-Apr (6-8 weeks before last frost)
- Transplant: Mid-May to early Jun (after all danger of frost)
- Harvest: Jul-Oct
- Tips: For earliest tomatoes harvest, try ‘Early Girl’ or ‘Stupice’. For main crop, ‘Brandywine’, ‘Cherokee Purple’, and ‘Roma’ are popular. Indeterminate types produce until frost; determinate types ripen more at once.
Vegetable Gardening Guide Resources
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.