USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 4 Planting Guide

Cold zone with a growing season of 120–150 days. Warm-season crops are possible with early starts indoors and careful hardening off. Cool-season crops perform well from spring through fall. First frost typically arrives by mid-October.

🌡️ Winter Low: -30 to -20°F ☀️ Summer High: 75–90°F 🔄 1 Growing Cycle/Year

Frost Risk

high

Heat Concern

low

Grow Cycles

1/yr

Shade Cloth

Optional

What to Grow in Zone 4

Zone 4 supports 98 plants across multiple growing seasons. Here are some of the best options for your garden.

Spring Plants

Lettuce 35–60 days · Both Spinach 35–50 days · Direct sow Kale 50–65 days · Both Swiss Chard 45–60 days · Both Carrots 55–70 days · Direct sow Radishes 25–35 days · Direct sow Beets 50–65 days · Direct sow Potatoes 75–120 days · Tuber Broccoli 55–75 days · Transplant Cauliflower 55–85 days · Transplant Cabbage 70–110 days · Transplant Brussels Sprouts 90–120 days · Transplant

Summer Plants

Tomatoes 60–90 days · Transplant Cherry Tomatoes 55–75 days · Transplant Roma Tomatoes 70–80 days · Transplant Bell Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Hot Peppers 65–90 days · Transplant Jalapeños 65–90 days · Transplant Habanero Peppers 75–100 days · Transplant Cucumbers 50–70 days · Both Zucchini 45–60 days · Both Summer/Winter Squash 50–100 days · Both Bush Beans 50–60 days · Direct sow Pole Beans 60–70 days · Direct sow

Fall Plants

Lettuce 35–60 days · Both Spinach 35–50 days · Direct sow Kale 50–65 days · Both Swiss Chard 45–60 days · Both Carrots 55–70 days · Direct sow Radishes 25–35 days · Direct sow Beets 50–65 days · Direct sow Potatoes 75–120 days · Tuber Broccoli 55–75 days · Transplant Cauliflower 55–85 days · Transplant Cabbage 70–110 days · Transplant Brussels Sprouts 90–120 days · Transplant

Year-Round Plants

Artichokes 150–180 days · Transplant

Garden Kits for Zone 4

These curated plant collections are designed to work in your zone.

Everything for fresh homemade salsa, all season long.

Fresh salad greens and toppings straight from your garden.

Kid-Friendly Crunch

High-engagement crops kids love to pick and eat.

Smoothie Greens

Nutrient-packed greens for smoothies and juicing.

The essential culinary herb collection.

Classic Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, and garlic.

Grow your own taco toppings: fresh lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.

The best of summer: cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and basil.

Pollinator Paradise

Flowers that attract pollinators and look gorgeous in your garden beds.

Asian-inspired garden with bok choy, Thai basil, lemongrass, and more.

Beautiful Foods

Colorful, photogenic crops that look as good as they taste.

The cool-season powerhouse: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and more.

Grab-and-go snacking crops the whole family will graze on.

Strawberry Patch

A dedicated strawberry bed with companion flowers and herbs.

Sun-loving flavors of the Mediterranean: eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

Cocktail garden essentials: fresh herbs and garnish crops for drinks.

Stir fry essentials: bok choy, scallions, cilantro, snow peas, and Thai basil.

Create Your Own Plant Playlist

Use our kit themes as a starting point and build a custom planting plan for your garden.

Create a Playlist

Growing Tips for Zone 4

❄️ Frost Protection

Zone 4 has high frost risk. Cover tender plants when overnight lows drop below 35°F. Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors.

🪲 Common Pests

Watch for: cabbage worms, aphids, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetles. Use companion planting and row covers as first-line defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows best in Zone 4?

Zone 4 supports 98 different plants. Popular choices include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. The best picks depend on the season — warm-season crops thrive in spring/summer while cool-season crops do better in fall/winter.

What is USDA Hardiness Zone 4?

USDA Zone 4 has winter lows of -30 to -20°F and summer highs of 75–90°F. Frost risk is high and heat concern is low. You can expect 1 growing cycle per year.

When should I start planting in Zone 4?

Timing varies by crop. Cool-season crops can often be started in early spring or fall. Warm-season crops should wait until after the last frost risk passes. Check our individual plant guides for zone-specific planting windows.

Do I need shade cloth in Zone 4?

Shade cloth is generally not necessary in Zone 4, though it can help if you're growing cool-season crops during warmer months.

Cities in Zone 4

1 major cities fall in Zone 4. Select yours for a local planting guide.

Explore Other Zones

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