Zone 5 Calendar - Vegetable Planting Guide

Zone 5 Hardiness Dates

 

Stretching across the central Midwest into parts of New England, Zone 5 is characterized by cold winters and mild summers. The last frost date in spring happens around late April to mid-May and the average first frost date falls between late September and early October. 

The growing season in Zone 5 is medium-length, generally lasting from May through September. Zone 5 is suitable for a wide range of crops, including hardy fruit trees, perennial herbs, and cool-season vegetables.

The growing season in Zone 5 offers an average of 150 to 195 frost-free days. Frost dates can vary by region but starting seeds indoors ensures you’re ready to plant as soon as spring arrives. Refer to the planting schedule below to determine the best time to start seeds, direct sow, or transplant seedlings.