USDA Hardiness Zone

Zone 6 Planting Guide

Transitional zone with roughly 180–200 frost-free days. Long enough for two distinct growing cycles: a spring/summer warm-season cycle and a fall cool-season cycle. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash do well with proper timing. Fall brassicas and greens extend production into November.

🌡️ Winter Low: -10 to 0°F ☀️ Summer High: 80–95°F 🔄 2 Growing Cycles/Year
Frost Risk
moderate
Heat Concern
moderate
Grow Cycles
2/yr
Shade Cloth
Optional

What to Grow in Zone 6

Zone 6 supports 101 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

Green Onions 50–70 days · Both Parsley 60–80 days · Both Mint 50–60 days · Transplant Rosemary 90–120 days · Transplant Oregano 70–90 days · Transplant Thyme 70–90 days · Transplant Sage 75–90 days · Transplant Lavender 90–120 days · Transplant Blueberries 365+ days · Transplant Blackberries 365+ days · Transplant Grapes 365+ days · Transplant Artichokes 150–180 days · Transplant

Garden Kits for Zone 6

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 6

❄️ Frost Protection
Zone 6 has moderate frost risk. Cover tender plants when overnight lows drop below 35°F. Use row covers, cloches, or bring containers indoors.
☀️ Heat Management
Summer highs reach 80–95°F in Zone 6. Provide afternoon shade for heat-sensitive crops. Water deeply in the morning.
🪲 Common Pests
Watch for: aphids, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, Japanese beetles. Use companion planting and row covers as first-line defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grows best in Zone 6?
Zone 6 supports 101 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 6?
USDA Zone 6 has winter lows of -10 to 0°F and summer highs of 80–95°F. Frost risk is moderate and heat concern is moderate. You can expect 2 growing cycles per year.
When should I start planting in Zone 6?
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 6?
Shade cloth is generally not necessary in Zone 6, though it can help if you're growing cool-season crops during warmer months.

Cities in Zone 6

30 major cities fall in Zone 6. Select yours for a local planting guide.

Chicago IL · 6a Columbus OH · 6b Indianapolis IN · 6b Denver CO · 6a Detroit MI · 6b Milwaukee WI · 6a Kansas City MO · 6b Colorado Springs CO · 6a Wichita KS · 6b Cleveland OH · 6b Cincinnati OH · 6b Buffalo NY · 6a Toledo OH · 6b Fort Wayne IN · 6a Rochester NY · 6b Worcester MA · 6b

+ 14 more cities · View all cities

Explore Other Zones

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