Fall Planting Guide - Zone 6
Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky
Zone 6 Fall Key Dates
First Frost: Mid to late October
Planting Window: August - early October
Strategy: Good fall window - plenty of time
August - Early September
Prime time for fall planting. Get these in the ground now.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | Direct sow | August-September | Succession plant for continuous harvest |
| Spinach | Direct sow | August-September | Frost sweetens the flavor |
| Kale | Transplant or sow | August | Best flavor after frost |
| Broccoli | Transplant | August | 80-90 days to harvest |
| Cabbage | Transplant | August | Fall heads store well |
September - October
Quick-maturing crops and fall favorites.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radishes | Direct sow | September | 25-30 day crop |
| Arugula | Direct sow | September | 40 days to harvest |
| Asian Greens | Direct sow | September | Bok choy, tatsoi, mizuna |
| Turnips | Direct sow | August-September | Greens and roots |
| Cilantro | Direct sow | September | Loves cool fall weather |
Overwinter Planting
Plant now for harvest next spring/summer.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Plant cloves | October-November | Harvest next July |
| Shallots | Plant | October | Harvest next summer |
| Spinach | Direct sow | October | Overwinters, early spring harvest |
| Onion Sets | Plant | October-November | For early summer harvest |
Zone 6 Fall Tips
- Zone 6 has a great fall window - take advantage of it!
- Row covers add 4-6 weeks to your harvest season
- Fall greens are often sweeter and more tender than spring
- Fewer pests and diseases make fall gardening easier
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first frost in zone 6?
Zone 6 first frost typically arrives mid to late October. Some areas may see frost into early November. Count backwards from your frost date when planning fall plantings.
What can I plant in September in zone 6?
September is great for quick crops: lettuce, spinach, radishes, arugula, and Asian greens. You can also plant garlic for next year's harvest.
How long can I harvest in zone 6 fall?
With row covers and cold frames, you can harvest cold-hardy crops (kale, spinach, carrots) into December or even January. Protection extends the season significantly.