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Gardening in Zone 6 offers a diverse growing season, allowing gardeners to cultivate a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. Understanding the best times to sow each vegetable can lead to a more productive and rewarding garden. This planting calendar provides a month-by-month guide to help you plan your vegetable planting schedule effectively.
Understanding Zone 6
Zone 6, as defined by the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, has an average minimum winter temperature of -10°F to 0°F (-23.3°C to -17.8°C). This climate allows for a long growing season, typically from early spring to late fall. Knowing your zone helps determine the optimal planting times for various vegetables, ensuring they mature successfully before the first frost.
Monthly Planting Calendar for Zone 6
January
Start planning your garden for the upcoming season. You can begin sowing indoors:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Leeks
February
Continue indoor sowing and prepare seed trays. Direct sow in early February:
- Onions
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Peas
March
As the weather warms, start transplanting seedlings outdoors and sowing directly:
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Beets
- Potatoes
April
Plant warm-season vegetables outdoors and continue indoor sowing:
- Tomatoes (start indoors)
- Peppers (start indoors)
- Green beans
- Corn
May
Plant most vegetables outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Consider succession planting:
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Herbs
June
Peak planting time for many summer vegetables. Keep harvesting and watering regularly:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Zucchini
- Sweet corn
July
Focus on maintenance, watering, and pest control. Sow quick-maturing crops for fall harvest:
- Radishes
- Leaf lettuce
- Spinach
August
Start planning for fall crops. Sow indoors or directly sow hardy vegetables outdoors:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Turnips
September
Plant cool-season crops for fall harvest. Continue harvesting summer vegetables:
- Leafy greens
- Root vegetables
- Brussels sprouts
October
Prepare your garden for winter. Plant cover crops and harvest remaining crops:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Carrots
November
Reduce outdoor activity. Continue harvesting and start planning for next year:
- Store harvested vegetables properly
- Order seeds for next season
December
Focus on garden maintenance and indoor seed starting. Reflect on this year’s successes and challenges:
- Clean and store garden tools
- Plan crop rotations