What to plant this week in Zone 4a
With the last frost still a week away on May 12, focus your energy on sowing garlic now and preparing to transplant your massive harvest list soon. Keep an eye on those early crops like basil and peppers while you get ready for the big late-summer yields.
The next 7 days
Sample: Fargo, NDToday
9/12
66°
49°
Sun
9/13
65°
43°
Mon
9/14
62°
50°
💧89%
Tue
9/15
72°
51°
Wed
9/16
74°
45°
💧14%
Thu
9/17
68°
51°
💧10%
Fri
9/18
74°
47°
Avg high 69°F
Rain total 0.2"
Humidity 63%
Wind 10.1 mph
In the ground
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Move out
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Coming ripe
Harvest soon
45 crops- Basil
- Bell Pepper
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Habanero Pepper
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Nasturtium
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Tomatillo
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Do this now
Seasonal tips
- Start planning succession planting schedules so that when your zucchini and squash are done, you can replant in their spots immediately.
- Prepare cold frames or row covers now to protect any tender seedlings from unexpected early frosts before May 12.
- Organize your transplanting tools and labels for the upcoming wave of peppers, beans, and melons that will be ready to move outdoors.
Keep watch
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids clustering on the undersides of basil and pepper leaves as temperatures rise.
- Check celery and parsley family crops like parsnips and leeks for carrot rust fly damage.
- Inspect newly sown sunflowers and cosmos for early caterpillar activity before they establish strong roots.
Water
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to encourage deep root growth, especially for thirsty crops like cucumbers and pumpkins.
One more thing
Garlic planted now will need consistent moisture during its establishment phase, so keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
All year
Zone 4a planting calendar
168 cropsAverage planting and harvest windows for everything that grows in zone 4a — 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 70
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 4 – Sep 17 | 85d | |
| Anaheim (New Mexico) Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 28 | 78d | |
| Artichoke | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 12 – May 26 | — | 165d | |
| Arugula | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | May 14 – Jul 5 | 35d | |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Banana Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 30 – Aug 28 | 73d | |
| Beefsteak Tomato | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 7 – Sep 5 | 88d | |
| Beet | — | Apr 14 – Jun 9 | — | Jun 3 – Aug 18 | 60d | |
| Bell Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 25 – Sep 7 | 75d | |
| Bok Choy | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 15 | 45d | |
| Broccoli | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jun 22 – Jul 21 | 63d | |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Aug 10 – Sep 13 | 100d | |
| Bush Bean | — | May 19 – Jul 13 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 11 | 55d | |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 16 – Sep 22 | 94d | |
| Cabbage | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jul 7 – Aug 10 | 80d | |
| Carrot | — | Apr 21 – Jun 9 | — | Jun 20 – Aug 28 | 70d | |
| Cauliflower | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Jul 6 – Aug 9 | 65d | |
| Cayenne Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 4 – Aug 28 | 75d | |
| Celery | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Aug 20 – Oct 3 | 115d | |
| Cherry Tomato | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 13 – Aug 11 | 63d | |
| Collard Greens | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | Jun 22 – Aug 9 | 65d | |
| Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea) | — | May 26 – Jul 7 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 5 | 75d | |
| Cucumber | — | May 26 – Jul 8 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 15 – Sep 11 | 58d | |
| Daikon Radish | — | Jul 24 – Aug 28 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 16 | 60d | |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 14 – Sep 17 | 90d | |
| Edamame | — | May 26 – Jun 23 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 21 | 83d | |
| Fava (Broad) Bean | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 6 | 85d | |
| Flour Corn | — | May 19 – Jun 23 | — | Aug 17 – Oct 16 | 105d | |
| Garden Pea | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | — | May 25 – Jul 7 | 63d | |
| Garlic | — | Aug 28 – Oct 9 | — | Apr 25 – Oct 16 | 255d | |
| Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Sep 3 – Oct 7 | 110d | |
| Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle) | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 7 | 110d | |
| Habanero Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 24 – Sep 17 | 95d | |
| Jalapeño | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 30 – Sep 2 | 75d | |
| Kale | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Apr 28 – May 26 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jun 17 – Jul 30 | 58d | |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | May 24 – Jul 6 | 48d | |
| Leek | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Aug 20 – Sep 23 | 110d | |
| Lettuce | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Apr 14 – May 26 | Apr 28 – May 12 | May 29 – Jul 25 | 53d | |
| Lima Bean | — | May 26 – Jul 7 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 5 | 78d | |
| Loofah (Luffa) | — | May 26 – Jun 23 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 24 – Oct 16 | 120d | |
| Marconi Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 2 | 80d | |
| Mustard Greens | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | May 19 – Jul 10 | 40d | |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jun 17 – Jul 31 | 65d | |
| Onion | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 13 – Aug 16 | 100d | |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 23 | 110d | |
| Poblano Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 30 – Aug 28 | 73d | |
| Pole Bean | — | May 19 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 11 | 65d | |
| Potato | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 23 | 95d | |
| Pumpkin | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 7 | 108d | |
| Radish | — | Apr 14 – Jun 9 | — | May 6 – Jul 9 | 26d | |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Roma Tomato | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Aug 21 | 75d | |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jul 27 – Sep 3 | 95d | |
| Scallion (Bunching Onion) | — | Apr 14 – Jun 9 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 18 | 65d | |
| Scarlet Runner Bean | — | May 19 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 11 | 65d | |
| Serrano Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 28 | 78d | |
| Shallot | — | — | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jul 13 – Aug 6 | 95d | |
| Shishito Pepper | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 20 – Aug 13 | 60d | |
| Snow Pea | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | — | May 30 – Jul 7 | 65d | |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 93d | |
| Spinach | — | Mar 31 – May 12 | — | May 5 – Jun 26 | 40d | |
| Sugar Snap Pea | — | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | — | May 25 – Jul 2 | 60d | |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 19 – Jun 23 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 21 | 78d | |
| Swiss Chard | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | Jun 17 – Aug 8 | 55d | |
| Tomatillo | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 10 | 88d | |
| Tomato | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 26 | 73d | |
| Turnip | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | May 24 – Jul 25 | 50d | |
| Winter Squash | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | — | Aug 24 – Sep 27 | 100d | |
| Yellow Summer Squash | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jul 18 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 50d | |
| Zucchini | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jul 18 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 10 – Sep 11 | 50d |
Herbs 18
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise Hyssop | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Basil | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 26 – Jul 3 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 15 – Sep 11 | 60d | |
| Chervil | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 25 | 53d | |
| Chives | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | 75d | |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 20 | 48d | |
| Dill | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 3 | 48d | |
| Fennel | — | May 12 – Jun 13 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 11 | 78d | |
| French Tarragon | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 85d | |
| German Chamomile | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jun 27 – Jul 30 | 63d | |
| Ginger | — | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | — | 270d | |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 80d | |
| Lemongrass | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 105d | |
| Mint | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 75d | |
| Parsley | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | Jul 7 – Aug 24 | 80d | |
| Purslane | — | May 19 – Jul 13 | — | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 53d | |
| Shiso (Japanese Basil) | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 18 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Sep 11 | 78d | |
| Summer Savory | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 26 – Jul 3 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 25 – Sep 11 | 65d | |
| Thai Basil | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 26 – Jun 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Jul 25 – Sep 11 | 68d |
Fruits 20
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Black Walnut | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 4.5 yr | |
| Blackberry | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | 1.2 yr | |
| Blueberry | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 13 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 4 – Sep 11 | 80d | |
| Cranberry | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Elderberry | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Gooseberry | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Grape | — | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Ground Cherry | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 23 – Aug 16 | 70d | |
| Honeyberry (Haskap) | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Honeydew Melon | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 14 – Sep 17 | 90d | |
| Pear | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Plum | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Raspberry | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | 1.2 yr | |
| Red Mulberry | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Red/Black Currant | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Strawberry | — | — | Apr 14 – May 12 | — | 243d | |
| Tart (Pie) Cherry | — | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Watermelon | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 26 – Jun 9 | May 26 – Jun 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 12 | 85d |
Flowers 60
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum (Floss Flower) | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 26 | 73d | |
| Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 31 | 75d | |
| Bachelor's Button (Cornflower) | — | Apr 14 – May 26 | — | Jun 18 – Aug 4 | 68d | |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Black-Eyed Susan | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 110d | |
| Borage | — | May 12 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 6 – Sep 11 | 63d | |
| Butterfly Milkweed | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Calendula | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | — | Jun 12 – Jul 25 | 53d | |
| Celosia (Cockscomb) | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 8 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 11 | 85d | |
| Chocolate Vine (Akebia) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Cleome (Spider Flower) | — | May 19 – Jun 28 | — | Jul 13 – Sep 11 | 65d | |
| Climbing Hydrangea | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Coleus | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 31 | 75d | |
| Coral Honeysuckle | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Coreopsis (Tickseed) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Cosmos | — | May 19 – Jun 13 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 11 | 75d | |
| Craspedia (Billy Buttons) | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 17 – Sep 30 | 105d | |
| Dahlia | — | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 17 – Sep 30 | 105d | |
| Delphinium | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| English Ivy | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| French Marigold | Apr 7 – Apr 21 | May 19 – Jul 13 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 3 – Sep 11 | 53d | |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Geranium (Zonal) | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Aug 31 | 80d | |
| Garden Phlox | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Rose (Shrub) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Verbena | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | May 19 – Jun 13 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Sep 11 | 80d | |
| Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth) | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 19 – Jun 3 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Aug 12 – Sep 11 | 93d | |
| Hardy Hibiscus | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Hearts & Flowers (Heartleaf Iceplant) | — | — | May 19 – Jun 9 | — | 75d | |
| Hollyhock | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Hosta | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Lantana | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Aug 31 | 80d | |
| Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian) | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — | May 26 – Jun 9 | Sep 3 – Oct 7 | 110d | |
| Lobelia (Edging Lobelia) | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Apr 28 – May 19 | Jul 7 – Aug 12 | 78d | |
| Morning Glory | Apr 21 – Apr 28 | May 19 – Jun 13 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 23 – Sep 11 | 78d | |
| Nasturtium | — | May 19 – Jul 8 | — | Jul 8 – Sep 11 | 58d | |
| New England Aster | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Oriental Poppy | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Ornamental Allium | — | Jul 31 – Sep 11 | — | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine | — | — | May 26 – Jun 23 | Jul 25 – Sep 21 | 75d | |
| Osteospermum (African Daisy) | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 5 – May 26 | Jul 4 – Aug 24 | 75d | |
| Panicle Hydrangea | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Pansy | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 23 – Jul 27 | 80d | |
| Pentas (Egyptian Star Flower) | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Aug 31 | 80d | |
| Petunia | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 28 – Aug 31 | 80d | |
| Purple Coneflower | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Salvia | — | — | May 19 – Jun 2 | — | 110d | |
| Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Sedum ('Autumn Joy'-type) | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Snapdragon | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jul 17 – Aug 20 | 90d | |
| Statice | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | — | May 12 – May 26 | Aug 10 – Sep 13 | 100d | |
| Stock | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 9 – Aug 6 | 85d | |
| Sunflower | — | May 19 – Jun 23 | — | Jul 28 – Oct 1 | 85d | |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | May 12 – May 26 | Jun 17 – Jul 25 | 55d | |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 14 – Aug 6 | 88d | |
| Trumpet Vine (Trumpet Creeper) | — | — | Apr 28 – Jun 9 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle) | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | May 19 – Jun 28 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Sep 11 | 68d | |
| Viola (Johnny-Jump-Up) | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | Mar 31 – Apr 28 | May 16 – Jul 27 | 75d | |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | — | 135d | |
| Zinnia | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | May 19 – Jun 28 | May 19 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Sep 11 | 68d |
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