What to plant this week in Zone 5b
With the last frost averaging around May 1st, your Zone 5b garden is entering a critical transition period. Focus on harvesting early cool-season crops like Daikon Radish and Garlic while preparing for late summer transplants.
The next 7 days
Sample: Burlington, VTToday
11/3
61°
51°
💧44%
Wed
11/4
69°
53°
Thu
11/5
66°
57°
💧88%
Fri
11/6
64°
54°
💧50%
Sat
11/7
54°
44°
💧37%
Sun
11/8
47°
43°
💧37%
Mon
11/9
47°
38°
💧12%
Avg high 58°F
Rain total 1.4"
Humidity 80%
Wind 8.3 mph
In the ground
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Move out
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Coming ripe
Harvest soon
4 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
Do this now
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.
Keep watch
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids clustering on new growth as temperatures begin to rise.
- Check garlic plants for signs of bulb maggots or fungal issues like rust.
- Inspect loofah vines for early powdery mildew before the humidity peaks in late spring.
Water
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.
One more thing
Apply a light layer of mulch around transplants once they are in the ground to retain moisture as the soil temperature fluctuates.
All year
Zone 5b planting calendar
184 cropsAverage planting and harvest windows for everything that grows in zone 5b — 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 72
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 23 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 24 – Oct 1 | 85d | |
| Anaheim (New Mexico) Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 17 | 78d | |
| Artichoke | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 1 – May 15 | — | 165d | |
| Arugula | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | May 3 – Jun 24 | 35d | |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Banana Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 19 – Aug 17 | 73d | |
| Beefsteak Tomato | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 27 – Aug 25 | 88d | |
| Beet | — | Apr 3 – May 29 | — | May 23 – Aug 7 | 60d | |
| Bell Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 14 – Aug 27 | 75d | |
| Bok Choy | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | May 27 – Jul 4 | 45d | |
| Broccoli | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 11 – Jul 10 | 63d | |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 30 – Sep 2 | 100d | |
| Bush Bean | — | May 8 – Aug 2 | — | Jun 27 – Oct 1 | 55d | |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 18 | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 5 – Oct 1 | 94d | |
| Cabbage | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 26 – Jul 30 | 80d | |
| Carrot | — | Apr 10 – May 29 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 17 | 70d | |
| Cauliflower | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Jun 25 – Jul 29 | 65d | |
| Cayenne Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 24 – Aug 17 | 75d | |
| Celery | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 9 – Sep 22 | 115d | |
| Cherry Tomato | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 2 – Jul 31 | 63d | |
| Collard Greens | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jun 11 – Jul 29 | 65d | |
| Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea) | — | May 15 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 1 | 75d | |
| Cucumber | — | May 15 – Jul 28 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 4 – Oct 1 | 58d | |
| Daikon Radish | — | Aug 13 – Sep 17 | — | Oct 2 – Nov 5 | 60d | |
| Delicata Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 23 | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 3 – Oct 1 | 90d | |
| Edamame | — | May 15 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 29 – Oct 1 | 83d | |
| Eggplant | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 19 – Aug 22 | 75d | |
| Fava (Broad) Bean | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | — | May 29 – Jul 26 | 85d | |
| Flour Corn | — | May 8 – Jun 12 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 10 | 105d | |
| Garden Pea | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | — | May 14 – Jun 26 | 63d | |
| Garlic | — | Sep 17 – Oct 29 | — | May 15 – Nov 5 | 255d | |
| Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 23 – Sep 26 | 110d | |
| Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle) | — | May 15 – Jun 3 | — | Aug 23 – Oct 1 | 110d | |
| Habanero Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 13 – Sep 6 | 95d | |
| Jalapeño | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 19 – Aug 22 | 75d | |
| Kale | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 17 – May 15 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 6 – Jul 19 | 58d | |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | May 13 – Jun 25 | 48d | |
| Leek | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 9 – Sep 12 | 110d | |
| Lettuce | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Apr 3 – May 15 | Apr 17 – May 1 | May 18 – Jul 14 | 53d | |
| Lima Bean | — | May 15 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 1 | 78d | |
| Loofah (Luffa) | — | May 15 – Jun 12 | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 13 – Nov 5 | 120d | |
| Marconi Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 22 | 80d | |
| Mustard Greens | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | May 8 – Jun 29 | 40d | |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 6 – Jul 20 | 65d | |
| Onion | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jul 2 – Aug 5 | 100d | |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 12 | 110d | |
| Poblano Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 19 – Aug 17 | 73d | |
| Pole Bean | — | May 8 – Jul 23 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 1 | 65d | |
| Potato | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jun 26 – Sep 12 | 95d | |
| Pumpkin | — | May 15 – Jun 3 | — | Aug 18 – Oct 1 | 108d | |
| Radish | — | Apr 3 – May 29 | — | Apr 25 – Jun 28 | 26d | |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Roma Tomato | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Aug 10 | 75d | |
| Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus) | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | May 22 – Jun 5 | Aug 30 – Nov 5 | 125d | |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 23 | 95d | |
| Scallion (Bunching Onion) | — | Apr 3 – May 29 | — | Jun 2 – Aug 7 | 65d | |
| Scarlet Runner Bean | — | May 8 – Jul 23 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 1 | 65d | |
| Serrano Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 17 | 78d | |
| Shallot | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jul 2 – Jul 26 | 95d | |
| Shishito Pepper | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 9 – Aug 2 | 60d | |
| Snow Pea | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | — | May 19 – Jun 26 | 65d | |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 13 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Oct 1 | 93d | |
| Spinach | — | Mar 20 – May 1 | — | Apr 24 – Jun 15 | 40d | |
| Sugar Snap Pea | — | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | — | May 14 – Jun 21 | 60d | |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 8 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 1 | 78d | |
| Swiss Chard | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 28 | 55d | |
| Tomatillo | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 30 | 88d | |
| Tomato | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Aug 15 | 73d | |
| Turnip | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | May 13 – Jul 14 | 50d | |
| Winter Squash | — | May 15 – Jun 13 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 100d | |
| Yellow Summer Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Aug 7 | May 15 – May 29 | Jun 29 – Oct 1 | 50d | |
| Zucchini | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Aug 7 | May 15 – May 29 | Jun 29 – Oct 1 | 50d |
Herbs 21
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise Hyssop | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Basil | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 15 – Jul 23 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 4 – Oct 1 | 60d | |
| Chervil | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jun 1 – Jul 14 | 53d | |
| Chives | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | 75d | |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | May 27 – Jul 9 | 48d | |
| Dill | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | May 27 – Jul 23 | 48d | |
| Fennel | — | May 1 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 5 – Oct 1 | 78d | |
| French Tarragon | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 85d | |
| German Chamomile | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jun 16 – Jul 19 | 63d | |
| Ginger | — | — | May 29 – Jun 26 | — | 270d | |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 80d | |
| Lemongrass | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 105d | |
| Mint | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 75d | |
| Oregano | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 85d | |
| Parsley | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jun 26 – Aug 13 | 80d | |
| Purslane | — | May 8 – Aug 2 | — | Jun 22 – Oct 1 | 53d | |
| Sage | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 83d | |
| Shiso (Japanese Basil) | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 8 – Jul 8 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Oct 1 | 78d | |
| Summer Savory | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 15 – Jul 23 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 14 – Oct 1 | 65d | |
| Thai Basil | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 15 – Jul 18 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 14 – Oct 1 | 68d | |
| Thyme | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 135d |
Fruits 25
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Apricot | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Black Walnut | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 4.5 yr | |
| Blackberry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | 1.2 yr | |
| Blueberry | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jul 3 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 24 – Oct 1 | 80d | |
| Cranberry | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Elderberry | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| English (Persian) Walnut | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 4.5 yr | |
| Gooseberry | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Grape | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Ground Cherry | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 12 – Aug 5 | 70d | |
| Honeyberry (Haskap) | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Honeydew Melon | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 23 | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 3 – Oct 1 | 90d | |
| Peach | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Pear | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Pecan | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 4.5 yr | |
| Plum | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Raspberry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | 1.2 yr | |
| Red Mulberry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Red/Black Currant | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Strawberry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | — | 243d | |
| Sweet Cherry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Tart (Pie) Cherry | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Watermelon | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 15 – Jun 28 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 29 – Oct 1 | 85d |
Flowers 66
| Crop | Start indoors | Sow outdoors | Transplant | Harvest | Maturity | JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum (Floss Flower) | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Aug 15 | 73d | |
| American Wisteria | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Aug 20 | 75d | |
| Bachelor's Button (Cornflower) | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 24 | 68d | |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Bigleaf Hydrangea (Mophead) | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Black-Eyed Susan | — | May 1 – Jun 3 | May 1 – May 29 | — | 110d | |
| Borage | — | May 1 – Jul 23 | — | Jun 25 – Oct 1 | 63d | |
| Butterfly Milkweed | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Calendula | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | — | Jun 1 – Jul 14 | 53d | |
| Celosia (Cockscomb) | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 8 – Jun 28 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 22 – Oct 1 | 85d | |
| Chocolate Vine (Akebia) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Cleome (Spider Flower) | — | May 8 – Jul 18 | — | Jul 2 – Oct 1 | 65d | |
| Climbing Hydrangea | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 3.5 yr | |
| Climbing Rose | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Coleus | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Aug 20 | 75d | |
| Coral Honeysuckle | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Coreopsis (Tickseed) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Cosmos | — | May 8 – Jul 3 | — | Jul 7 – Oct 1 | 75d | |
| Craspedia (Billy Buttons) | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Aug 6 – Sep 19 | 105d | |
| Dahlia | — | — | May 8 – May 22 | Aug 6 – Sep 19 | 105d | |
| Delphinium | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| English Ivy | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| French Marigold | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 8 – Aug 2 | May 8 – May 22 | Jun 22 – Oct 1 | 53d | |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Geranium (Zonal) | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Aug 20 | 80d | |
| Garden Phlox | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Rose (Shrub) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Garden Verbena | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – Jul 3 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Oct 1 | 80d | |
| Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth) | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 8 – Jun 23 | May 8 – May 22 | Aug 1 – Oct 1 | 93d | |
| Hardy Hibiscus | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Hearts & Flowers (Heartleaf Iceplant) | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | 75d | |
| Hollyhock | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Hosta | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Lantana | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Aug 20 | 80d | |
| Lavender | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian) | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Aug 23 – Sep 26 | 110d | |
| Lobelia (Edging Lobelia) | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Jun 26 – Aug 1 | 78d | |
| Morning Glory | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 8 – Jul 3 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 12 – Oct 1 | 78d | |
| Nasturtium | — | May 8 – Jul 28 | — | Jun 27 – Oct 1 | 58d | |
| New England Aster | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Oriental Poppy | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Ornamental Allium | — | Aug 20 – Oct 1 | — | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine | — | — | May 15 – Jun 12 | Jul 14 – Sep 10 | 75d | |
| Osteospermum (African Daisy) | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Jun 23 – Aug 13 | 75d | |
| Panicle Hydrangea | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Pansy | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 12 – Jul 16 | 80d | |
| Passionflower (Maypop) | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Pentas (Egyptian Star Flower) | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Aug 20 | 80d | |
| Petunia | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 17 – Aug 20 | 80d | |
| Purple Coneflower | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Salvia | — | — | May 8 – May 22 | — | 110d | |
| Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Sedum ('Autumn Joy'-type) | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Shasta Daisy | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 1.5 yr | |
| Snapdragon | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jul 6 – Aug 9 | 90d | |
| Statice | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 30 – Sep 2 | 100d | |
| Stock | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 29 – Jul 26 | 85d | |
| Sunflower | — | May 8 – Jun 23 | — | Jul 17 – Oct 1 | 85d | |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jun 6 – Jul 14 | 55d | |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 3 – Jul 26 | 88d | |
| Trumpet Vine (Trumpet Creeper) | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | — | 2.5 yr | |
| Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle) | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – Jul 18 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Oct 1 | 68d | |
| Viola (Johnny-Jump-Up) | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Mar 6 – Apr 3 | Mar 20 – Apr 17 | May 5 – Jul 16 | 75d | |
| Yarrow | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — | 135d | |
| Zinnia | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – Jul 18 | May 8 – May 22 | Jul 7 – Oct 1 | 68d |
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