What to plant this week in Zone 2b
It is still deep winter in Zone 2b, with no crops to sow or harvest right now as the last frost doesn't arrive until May 25. Focus your energy on preparing the garden beds and protecting plants from extreme cold temperatures that can drop to -45°F.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
No harvest windows opening just yet.
Seasonal tips
- Clear away old plant debris to reduce winter pests before soil work begins.
- Perform fall pruning on dormant trees and shrubs while they are still asleep.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch once the ground has frozen solid to insulate roots.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for voles that may chew through exposed stems in deep snow cover.
- Check stored seeds and tools for signs of insect infestation during this quiet period.
Watering this week
Most outdoor plants are dormant, but ensure new transplants or indoor seedlings receive consistent moisture if available.
Now is the perfect time to plan your spring succession schedule by reviewing which crops will fit between early and late frost dates.
Zone 2b planting calendar
15 cropsAverage planting and harvest windows for everything that grows in zone 2b — dates shift a week or two with the season, so treat them as a starting point and check the weekly guide above for what's open right now.
- Start indoors
- Sow outdoors
- Transplant
- Harvest
Vegetables 10
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | — | Apr 27 – Jun 8 | — | May 27 – Jul 18 | 35d | |
| Daikon Radish | — | Jun 30 – Aug 4 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 22 | 60d | |
| Garden Pea | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 20 | 63d | |
| Lettuce | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 8 | May 11 – May 25 | Jun 11 – Aug 7 | 53d | |
| Parsnip | — | May 11 – Jun 8 | — | Aug 19 – Sep 22 | 110d | |
| Radish | — | Apr 27 – Jun 22 | — | May 19 – Jul 22 | 26d | |
| Rutabaga | — | May 11 – Jun 8 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 16 | 95d | |
| Snow Pea | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 20 | 65d | |
| Spinach | — | Apr 13 – May 25 | — | May 18 – Jul 9 | 40d | |
| Sugar Snap Pea | — | Apr 13 – May 11 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 15 | 60d |
Fruits 2
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberry | — | — | May 11 – Jun 22 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Honeyberry (Haskap) | — | — | May 11 – Jun 22 | — | 2.5 yr |
Flowers 3
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Button (Cornflower) | — | Apr 27 – Jun 8 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 17 | 68d | |
| Cleome (Spider Flower) | — | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 5 | 65d | |
| French Marigold | Apr 20 – May 4 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | Jul 16 – Aug 21 | 53d |