What to plant this week in Zone 2b
With average last frost around May 25 and first frost on September 1, Zone 2b is still in deep winter dormancy with no sowing or transplanting possible this week. Focus your efforts indoors or wait for the thaw to begin harvesting early crops like parsnip and rutabaga once they are ready.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Parsnip
- Rutabaga
Seasonal tips
- Protect perennial beds from harsh winds by piling extra mulch around base plants.
- Inspect woody shrubs and trees for winter damage before spring pruning begins.
- Check seed catalogs now to plan your succession planting schedule for late May.
- Ensure drainage systems in raised beds or containers are clear of debris.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor overwintering larvae on evergreens as temperatures begin to rise.
- Watch for early signs of powdery mildew on hardy shrubs like lilac and spirea.
- Check stored seed packets for any pest infestation before storage season ends.
Watering this week
Hold off on watering outdoor beds until the ground has fully thawed and soil temperatures allow absorption.
Parsnip and rutabaga can be harvested soon if you have them in the ground, but ensure you wait until after the last frost to avoid cold damage unless using a protective cover.
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 |