Spring Planting Guide - Zone 6
Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky
Zone 6 Key Dates
Last Frost: Mid-April to early May
Growing Season: ~180-200 days
First Fall Frost: Mid to late October
Early Spring (4-6 weeks before last frost)
Begin with cold-tolerant crops as soon as soil is workable.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | Direct sow | 4-6 weeks before last frost | Soil temps 40°F+ |
| Spinach | Direct sow | 4-6 weeks before last frost | Tolerates light frost |
| Lettuce | Direct sow or transplant | 3-4 weeks before last frost | Succession plant every 2 weeks |
| Radishes | Direct sow | 4-6 weeks before last frost | Harvest in 25-30 days |
| Onions | Transplant sets | 4 weeks before last frost | Can handle frost |
Mid Spring (Start Indoors)
Get a jump on warm-season crops by starting seeds indoors.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | 6-8 weeks before last frost | Mid-March in most areas |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | 8-10 weeks before last frost | Early March start |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | 8-10 weeks before last frost | Needs warm soil 70°F+ |
| Cucumbers | Start seeds indoors | 3-4 weeks before last frost | Or direct sow after frost |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | 4-6 weeks before last frost | Very frost sensitive |
After Last Frost
Once frost danger passes, plant out tender crops and direct sow warm-season vegetables.
| Plant | Action | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beans | Direct sow | After last frost | Soil temps 60°F+ |
| Squash | Direct sow or transplant | 1 week after last frost | Soil temps 65°F+ |
| Corn | Direct sow | 1-2 weeks after last frost | Plant in blocks for pollination |
| Melons | Transplant | 2 weeks after last frost | Use black plastic mulch |
| Sweet Potatoes | Transplant slips | 2-3 weeks after last frost | Needs 100+ warm days |
Zone 6 Spring Tips
- Zone 6 is ideal for most vegetables - you have a good balance of growing season length
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors
- Watch for late frosts in May - keep frost cloth handy
- Start succession planting lettuce and spinach every 2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost in zone 6?
Zone 6 last frost dates typically range from mid-April to early May. Check your specific location as microclimates vary. Wait until soil warms to 60°F+ for warm-season crops.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in zone 6?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For most zone 6 areas, this means starting seeds in early to mid-March for transplanting in mid-May.
What can I plant in zone 6 in March?
In March, start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Outdoors (late March), you can direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.