When Should I Transplant My Vegetables in Zone 5?

Greens

• Kale is a cool season green with ruffled leaves that can be direct-sown in the vegetable garden in April. Kale is typically harvested in mid- to late-May, depending on planting date. Cool season-lettuce varieties can be direct-sown in mid- to late-May and harvested in June. Some lettuce will tolerate planting as late as early June for harvest in early Summer. Spinach can be planted in both early May and again in September for harvest about a month later.

Root Vegetables

• Carrots can be planted outdoors in Zone 5 after the danger of frost has passed, typically at the beginning of June. Carrots may be planted out as late as the beginning of July. Potatoes can be planted out in Zone 5 during the warmer months of June, July and August for harvest in early to mid-fall. Onions should be transplanted earlier in the season, typically in May or early June.

Tmatoes, Peppers and Eggplant

• Tomatoes, eggplant and peppers all require heat and a longer growing season to produce. All three may be planted out after the danger of frost has passed. Tomatoes ripen slightly before peppers and eggplant, in early to mid-August. Depending on the variety planted, tomatoes may be available for harvest through early September. Peppers and eggplant begin to mature in mid-August and can produce right up to the first frost, traditionally the beginning of October.

Cucumbers and Squash

• Cucumber plants and winter squash should not be set out until after the threat of frost has passed, in the beginning of June. Cucumbers can be available for harvest as early as the beginning of July, and some varieties may continue to produce through the middle of September, while winter squash is typically harvested in August and September. Summer squash can be set out slightly earlier than winter squash, at the very end of May, and may be available for harvest from July right up through the first frost.