USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 5 Planting Guide

Moderate cold zone with 150–180 frost-free days. Most vegetables grow well with proper timing. Warm-season crops need indoor starts 6–8 weeks before last frost. Fall gardening extends the season with brassicas and root crops. One solid growing cycle with optional fall succession.

🌡️ Winter Low: -20 to -10°F ☀️ Summer High: 80–95°F 🔄 1 Growing Cycle/Year
Frost Risk
moderate
Heat Concern
low
Grow Cycles
1/yr
Shade Cloth
Optional

What to Grow in Zone 5

Zone 5 supports 100 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 5

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

🌶️
Salsa Box
Everything for fresh homemade salsa, all season long.
5 plants
 🥗
Salad Lovers
Fresh salad greens and toppings straight from your garden.
6 plants
 🥕
Kid-Friendly Crunch
High-engagement crops kids love to pick and eat.
5 plants
 🥬
Smoothie Greens
Nutrient-packed greens for smoothies and juicing.
4 plants
 🌿
Herb Heaven
The essential culinary herb collection.
5 plants
 🇲🇹
Italian Feast
Classic Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, zucchini, and garlic.
5 plants
 🌮
Taco Night
Grow your own taco toppings: fresh lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.
5 plants
 ☀️
Summer Bounty
The best of summer: cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and basil.
4 plants
 🐝
Pollinator Paradise
Flowers that attract pollinators and look gorgeous in your garden beds.
4 plants
 🍲
Exotic Asia
Asian-inspired garden with bok choy, Thai basil, lemongrass, and more.
5 plants
 🌈
Beautiful Foods
Colorful, photogenic crops that look as good as they taste.
6 plants
 🥦
Brassica Box
The cool-season powerhouse: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and more.
8 plants
 🍿
Snack Garden
Grab-and-go snacking crops the whole family will graze on.
4 plants
 🍓
Strawberry Patch
A dedicated strawberry bed with companion flowers and herbs.
3 plants
 🇱🇪
Mediterranean
Sun-loving flavors of the Mediterranean: eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
5 plants
 🍸
Happy Hour
Cocktail garden essentials: fresh herbs and garnish crops for drinks.
5 plants
 🥢
Asian Stir Fry
Stir fry essentials: bok choy, scallions, cilantro, snow peas, and Thai basil.
5 plants

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 5

❄️ Frost Protection
Zone 5 has moderate frost risk. Cover tender plants when overnight lows drop below 35°F. Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors.
🪲 Common Pests
Watch for: aphids, cabbage worms, tomato hornworms, squash bugs. Use companion planting and row covers as first-line defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows best in Zone 5?
Zone 5 supports 100 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 5?
USDA Zone 5 has winter lows of -20 to -10°F and summer highs of 80–95°F. Frost risk is moderate and heat concern is low. You can expect 1 growing cycle per year.
When should I start planting in Zone 5?
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 5?
Shade cloth is generally not necessary in Zone 5, though it can help if you're growing cool-season crops during warmer months.

Cities in Zone 5

17 major cities fall in Zone 5. Select yours for a local planting guide.

Omaha NE · 5b Minneapolis MN · 5a Aurora CO · 5b St. Paul MN · 5a Anchorage AK · 5b Lincoln NE · 5b Madison WI · 5b Des Moines IA · 5b Sioux Falls SD · 5a Aurora IL · 5b Fort Collins CO · 5b Lakewood CO · 5b Joliet IL · 5b Naperville IL · 5b Rockford IL · 5b Thornton CO · 5b

+ 1 more cities · View all cities

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