What to plant this week in Burlington, VT
Burlington gardeners in Zone 5b are entering a critical late-season window where frost risks remain high until May, but specific cool-hardy crops like Daikon Radish and Roselle are ready to harvest. With the average first frost arriving around October 15, now is the final chance to pull these mature roots and fibers before temperatures drop below zero.
The next 7 days
Burlington, VTGrowing in Burlington right now
- Take advantage of Burlington's sandy loam soil texture immediately for Daikon Radishes, as this native soil type drains well enough to prevent rotting in damp fall weather. Focus on harvesting Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus) stems now before the early autumn chill stops lignification, ensuring maximum yield for winter teas.
- While transplanting is not currently recommended due to the lingering frost threat until mid-May, protect any existing late-spring plantings with row covers against Burlington's unpredictable microclimates near Lake Champlain. Monitor soil moisture closely, as the city's clay-heavy pockets in older neighborhoods can stay saturated after frequent fall rains.
- Prioritize mulching harvested beds immediately to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature as the region transitions into its long winter dormancy period.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
4 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
Seasonal tips
- Finish sowing cold-hardy greens now to maximize yields before the soil warms up significantly.
- Prepare raised beds by adding compost ahead of time so they are ready for transplanting in June.
- Plan your succession schedule for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant to ensure a continuous summer harvest.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for late-season aphid colonies clustering on Roselle leaves just before harvest, which can transmit viruses if not removed quickly. Check Daikon Radish roots for root maggots, a persistent issue in Vermont soils that often worsens when temperatures hover near freezing.
- Monitor for slugs and snails actively feeding on emerging greens or damaged crop edges, as Burlington's damp autumn fog creates ideal breeding grounds.
Watering this week
Water deeply and consistently now that the ground has thawed, aiming for about 1 inch per week to encourage strong root establishment.
Apply a light layer of mulch around transplants once they are in the ground to retain moisture as the soil temperature fluctuates.
Burlington gardening questions
3Can I still transplant tomatoes or peppers this week in Burlington?
No, the average last frost date of May 1 means that waiting until mid-to-late October is far too risky for tender transplants. Wait until next spring when soil temperatures consistently rise above 50°F to ensure survival.
How do I prepare Daikon Radishes for winter storage given Burlington's frost dates?
Harvest the roots now before an early hard freeze, as sub-zero temps can crack the bulbs or cause internal bitterness. Cure them in a cool, humid basement environment typical of Vermont homes rather than leaving them in the cold ground.
When is the best time to start my garlic crop for next year's harvest?
Since garlic requires a prolonged chilling period before spring growth, plant cloves now as soon as soil workability allows. Aim to have them buried by early November so they establish roots before the Burlington snow cover arrives.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Burlington garden in SproutGuide →