Wondering when to start your garden this year? Check out these two handy charts below. Keep in mind that every season is different, so use these dates as guidelines, not strict rules.
This chart shows the average dates for the last spring frost (when it’s generally safe to plant) and the first fall frost (when you can expect cooler temps again). In Zone 5, the last frost often arrives around May 30, and the first frost typically shows up around October 1.
This illustration provides a rough timeline for when to start your seeds indoors, when to move them outdoors, and approximately when to harvest. Many veggies (like tomatoes and peppers) still have time to be started indoors if you haven’t done so yet!