Find your growing zone · Frost dates by region · Vegetable planting calendar
Select your state and region below to instantly find your USDA hardiness zone, average last spring frost date, average first fall frost date, and a personalised vegetable planting calendar for your area.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. The zones range from Zone 1 (coldest, Alaska interior) to Zone 13 (warmest, tropical). For vegetable gardening, your zone primarily tells you how cold your winters get and how long your growing season is.
This is the average date of the final spring frost in your area. It is your green light for planting warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, and zucchini outdoors. Plant cold-sensitive crops after this date. Cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and spinach can go in the ground four to six weeks before this date.
This is the average date of the first autumn frost. Use it to count backward when planning a fall vegetable garden - most cool-season crops need six to ten weeks before first frost to mature. It also tells you when to bring tender plants indoors or deploy frost protection.
Frost dates are based on historical averages - they are not guarantees. In any given year, frost can occur several weeks earlier or later than the average date. Always watch the weather forecast and be prepared to protect plants with row covers or bring containers indoors when late frost is forecast.