
The best plants for Zone 6 that can be sown outside as early as May include common garden varieties of:
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
What are the best plants for Zone 6?
Zone 6 Perennials for a Stunning Display
- Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Amazing Perennial for a Cottage Garden
- Astilbe (Astilbe Chinensis)
- Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile) – Ground Cover Perennial for Zone 6
- Bellflower (Campanula)
- Bee Balm (Monarda) – Perennial Fireworks in the Zone 6 Garden
- Delphinium (Delphinium)
What are the best vegetables for Zone 6?
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
When to plant in zone 6ang guide?
Zone Six Gardening Tips The typical growing season for zone six is between the middle of March and the middle of November. Obviously, you’ll plant cool weather crops during March and also when the weather cools off again in the fall.
What is Zone 6 planting?
Planting Zone 6. USDA Hardiness Zone 6 covers a large portion of the United States. Known as a generally mild climate, the average minimum winter temperature is between -10 to 0 degrees F. With cold winter and mild-to-hot summers, you have many growing options in Zone 6. Temperature in Zone 6. Zone 6 can expect minimum average temperatures of ...

What vegetables can you grow in the winter in Zone 6?
In growing zone 5-6 you will be able to start growing cold weather crops outdoors as early as March in most areas with frost protection. The best plants to grow in a fall cool season garden in zones 5-6 are Arugula, Claytonia, Vit, Beet greens, Swiss Chard, Bok Choy, Kale, Lettuce, Mustards, Cilantro and Spinach.
What seeds should I start in Zone 6?
Starting Seeds for Zone 6Beans.Beets.Carrots.Corn.Cucumbers.Lettuce.Melons.Peas.More items...•
Is it too late to plant vegetables in Zone 6?
According to Sunset, zone 6 vegetable planting runs from mid-March after the last frost through mid-November. In both cases, it's important to remember that these are guidelines and winter or summer can come earlier or last longer than is typical.
What can I grow in cold frame Zone 6?
Among the best candidates for growing in a cold frame are leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, beets, carrots, chard, kohlrabi, scallions, parsley, and radishes, everything you need for a hearty salad!
What is the difference between zone 6a and 6b?
Subset Zone Temperatures That means for Zone 6: Zone 6: This zone has a minimum average of temperatures of -10° to 0°F. Zone 6a: This subzone has a minimum average temperature of -10° to -5° F. Zone 6b: This subzone has a minimum average temperature of -5° to 0°F.
When should I start tomatoes in Zone 6?
A good target date for transplant-ready tomato plants is 6 weeks ahead of the usual last-frost date. In Zone 6, for example, that means planting out at the beginning of April instead of mid-May.
When should I plant garlic in Zone 6?
In US Hardiness Zone 6, your Garlic will do best if you plant it in the middle to late October. Another good measure is to plant garlic 4-6 weeks before the first typical frost in your area. US Hardiness Zone 6 has sections 'a' and 'b', and garlic should be planted in October for both zones.
What month should I start my vegetable garden?
Generally March and April, when the soil begins to warm, are the best months to begin sowing many hardy annual vegetable seeds outdoors including broccoli, cabbage, chard, carrots, peas and parsnips.
Where is zone 6a in the US?
It stretches south and west through Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and even parts of New Mexico and Arizona before turning northwest up through Utah and Nevada, ending in Washington state. If you live in zone 6, you may be scoffing at the idea of lows like this because you're used to warmer or colder temperatures.
What vegetables are frost resistant?
According to Myers, the hardiest vegetables that can withstand heavy frost of air temperatures below 28 include spinach, Walla Walla sweet onion, garlic, leeks, rhubarb, rutabaga, broccoli, kohlrabi, kale, cabbage, chicory, Brussels sprouts, corn salad, arugula, fava beans, radish, mustard, Austrian winter pea and ...
How do you keep a cold frame warm at night?
Alternate MethodRun an exterior-grade extension cord from the nearest outlet to the cold frame.Place a small lamp with a 40- or 60-watt incandescent bulb in the center of the cold frame. Keep the bulb away from your plants' leaves. ... Close the cold frame's lid. Cover with a heavy blanket and then a plastic tarp.
Can you grow broccoli in a cold frame?
If you are using cold frames to extend your growing season, the following plants grow well in a cold frame environment: Arugula. Broccoli. Beets.
When should I start seedlings indoors in zone 6b?
End of January into February is seed starting time indoors. I have outlined by month the plant seeds to start indoors between now and April for our Zone 6 garden.
What perennials bloom all summer in Zone 6?
20 Best Perennials For Zone 6 GardensGeranium. Perennial Geraniums, known as Cranesbill, has showy blooms that last throughout the entire summer. ... Lilies. What is this? ... Asclepias. Intricate flower blooms extend from stems that can reach up to 5 feet in height. ... Liriope. ... Salvia Sylvestris. ... Astilbe. ... Coreopsis. ... Rudbeckia.More items...•
What grows best in zone 6b?
Asters, astilbe, bee balm, cannas, coneflowers, crocus, daffodils, delphiniums, glads, hibiscus, hostas, hyacinths, irises, lilies, peonies, phlox, salvia, sedum, tulips and yarrow are among the Zone 6 plants we recommend.
Where is zone 6a in the US?
It stretches south and west through Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and even parts of New Mexico and Arizona before turning northwest up through Utah and Nevada, ending in Washington state. If you live in zone 6, you may be scoffing at the idea of lows like this because you're used to warmer or colder temperatures.
What crops can be harvested in cool weather?
Fast growing cool weather crops like radishes, spinach, and lettuce will likely be ready for harvest before you even get your warm weather transplants in the ground.
What is the best climate for growing vegetables?
Image by zlikovec. USDA zone 6 is an excellent climate for growing vegetables. The growing season for hot weather plants is relatively long and is bookended by periods of cool weather that are ideal for cold weather crops.
When is the last frost in Zone 6?
The average last frost date in zone 6 is May 1, and the average first frost date is November 1. These dates will probably vary somewhat for you depending upon where you live in the zone, but regardless, it makes for a pretty long growing season that will accommodate most hot weather plants.
Can you start seeds indoors in Zone 6?
That being said, some annuals need more time, and growing vegetables in zone 6 sometimes requires starting seeds indoors ahead of time. Even vegetables that could technically reach maturity if started outdoors will produce much better and longer if given a head start.
What is the climate in Zone 6?
Zone 6 is a relatively chilly climate, with winter temperatures that can drop to 0 F. (17.8 C.) and sometimes even below. Planting fall gardens in zone 6 seems like an impossible task, but there are a surprising number of vegetables suitable for zone 6 fall vegetable planting. Don’t believe us? Read on.
When to plant fall vegetables in Zone 6?
For direct-planting seeds, when to plant fall vegetables in zone 6? As a general rule of thumb, determine the date of the first expected frost in your area. Although the date can vary, the first frost in zone 6 is generally around November 1. If you aren’t sure, ask at your local garden center or call the Cooperative Extension office in your region.
Can you plant vegetables in the fall?
You probably won’t find many starter vegetables in your local garden center in autumn, when most gardeners have put their gardens to bed for the winter. However, many cool-season vegetables seeds can be planted directly in the garden. The goal is to get the seedlings planted outdoors in time to take advantage of the last days of summer warmth.
Can cabbage be grown indoors?
The exception is veggies in the cabbage family, which should be started by seed indoors. Keep in mind that cabbage and its cousins, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi and kale, tend to grow very slowly when temperatures turn cold.
Why Grow Lettuce in Hardiness Zone 6?
Lettuce thrives in Hardiness Zone 6’s cold spring and cooler fall months. Unlike other vegetables, this plant can grow even when there is snow or frost on the ground.
THESE Could Harm Your Lettuce
Deer, Rabbits, & Squirrels LOVE Lettuce. If left unprotected these pests will eat your vegetable before it can even grow.
Why Grow Kale in Hardiness Zone 6?
Kale is the hardiest vegetable when it comes to cold in Hardiness Zone 6. Unlike any other vegetable on this list, Kale can be grown throughout the entire year.
THESE Could Harm Your Lettuce
Like many other vegetables, aphids are one insect you don’t want. Aphids are especially prevalent in Hardiness Zone 6 and can stunt or kill your kale.
Why Grow Peas in Hardiness Zone 6?
While some vegetables are cold-hardy, Peas thrive in Hardiness Zone 6’s cold weather. If you want the tastiest peas you should grow them in winter and early spring.
THESE Could Harm Your Peas
Deer, Rabbits, & Squirrels LOVE start to come out and become hungry in spring. One of the first plants they eat is peas. Whether protected or unprotected pests pose a risk to growing peas in Hardiness Zone 6.
Why Grow Tomatoes in Hardiness Zone 6?
As the summers get warmer tomatoes continue to get bigger and more plentiful. Look no further for a low-maintenance vegetable.
What happens if you lower the planting zone number?
The lower the planting zone number the cooler the temperatures can get . This results in some perennial plants having a harder time surviving over the winter and being grown as annuals instead.
What zone do you plant peas in?
Peas. If you live in planting zone six , you should have an impressive experience when raising peas as long as they’re properly cared for. Peas are a great deal of work when harvest time comes, but the greatest concern is planting and harvesting them before the weather warms up.
What are some good plants to grow in Zone 6?
They’ll produce quite the harvest and add beauty to your landscape as well. 3. Melons. Many people associate melons with warm weather. They can grow and do well in planting zone six, but you must be sure to plant them after the weather warms fully. You can grow cantaloupe and watermelons too.
How long does it take for an apple tree to produce?
Though an apple tree takes three to five years to begin producing (some varieties may take even longer) they’re a beautiful part of your landscape, and they produce an edible fruit. It’s a win/win. 2. Berries. You can grow a variety of berries in planting zone six. They can also be treated as perennials in most cases.
What is Zone 6 gardening?
Zone Six Gardening: The Perfect Fruits and Vegetables for Your Zone. Jennifer is a full-time homesteader who started her journey in the foothills of North Carolina in 2010. Currently, she spends her days gardening, caring for her orchard and vineyard, raising chickens, ducks, goats, and bees.
What to grow in zone 6?
By growing peas in zone six, you should have plenty of time to reap a large harvest. 11. Pumpkins. Whether you like pumpkin for baking, giving to your animals, consuming yourself, or for decorations, you should consider raising your own.
What perennial vegetable will return year after year?
Are you looking for a perennial vegetable which will return year after year with proper care? Asparagus could be what you need.
How to make a cold frame?
You can make a simple cold frame by building walls out of wood or straw bales and covering the top with glass or plastic. Sometimes, mulching heavily or wrapping plants in burlap is enough to keep them insulated against the cold.
How to protect plants from the sun in Zone 6?
If you’re still experiencing hot summer days, hang a sheet over the plants’ south-facing side to protect them from the afternoon sun. It’s possible to protect cool weather crops from the cold when winter gardening in zone 6. A simple row cover works wonders at keeping plants warm.
When should I plant winter vegetables?
When planting winter vegetables in late summer, sow the seeds of semi-hardy plants 10 weeks before the average first frost date and hardy plants 8 weeks before.
Can you grow vegetables in Zone 6?
While winter gardening in zone 6 won’t yield lots of edible produce, it’s possible to harvest cold weather crops well into the winter and to keep many other crops alive until the spring thaw. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow winter vegetables, in particular how to treat winter vegetables for zone 6.
What is zone 6 for vegetables?
Live in USDA zone 6? Then you have a wealth of zone 6 vegetable planting options. This is because although the region is characterized as having a medium length growing season, it is suited to both warm and cold weather plants, rendering this zone accommodating to all but the most tender or those that rely exclusively on hot, dry weather to thrive. One of the most important factors when growing vegetables in zone 6 is knowing the correct planting times for zone 6. Read on to find out when to plant vegetables in zone 6.
What is the Sunset Map for Zone 6?
Conversely, the Sunset map for zone 6 is very small containing Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This is because Sunset takes other things besides the coldest winter temperature average into account. Sunset bases their map on factors such as elevation, latitude, humidity, rainfall, wind, soil conditions and other microclimate factors.
What vegetables can I grow in April?
Spinach. Broccoli. Radish. Peas. Carrots, lettuce and beets can go out in April while you can direct sow sweet potatoes, potatoes, and squash in May. This, of course, is not all you can grow. For more information on vegetables well suited for you area, contact your local extension office for advice.
What states are in Zone 6?
These vary greatly for zone 6. The USDA map is broad of stroke and encompasses Massachusetts and Rhode Island, extends southwest through parts of New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, ...
When is the last frost in Zone 6?
According to Sunset, zone 6 vegetable planting runs from mid-March after the last frost through mid-November.
When to sow cabbage seeds outdoors?
These include: The earliest seeds to sow outdoors are cabbages in February followed by the following crops in March: Carrots, lettuce and beets can go out in April while you can direct sow sweet potatoes, potatoes, and squash in May. This, of course, is not all you can grow.
What vegetables are good for Zone 6?
Vegetables that do well in Zone 6 include : Bush beans, Butter lettuce, Tomatoes, Longer season melons and Winter squash. The expanded list of herbs include: Coriander, Dill, Borage and Oregano.
What is the average temperature in Zone 6?
Zone 6 (a & b) includes most of the United States. It has a generally mild climate with average minimum winter temperature is between -10 to 0 degrees F. Winters are cold but summers are generally mild to hot with good rainfall and humidity.
When is the last frost date for watermelons?
The last frost date is at the start of May and the first is at the start of November. This provides an extended growing season. The extended growing season and hotter summers mean that most warm weather suited vegetables and herbs and be grown, though not generally warm enough for melons and watermelons.
What to do before planting in August in my garden?
If you are seeding or planting after your late spring and early summer crops you are going to want to do a couple of things.
What is a bitter cool weather lettuce plant?
Radicchio: This is a bitter cool weather lettuce/cabbage plant that grows quickly in the right conditions. Go ahead and seed a little with your arugula or parsley.
When do radishes grow?
Red Meat Radishes: There are certain radishes that love the cool weather and red meat radishes are one of them. In fact, they taste terrible grown in the spring. They want the heat to germinate and then cold to grow in so seed in early to late August and harvest in September/October.
What are some plants that grow like carrots?
Kohlrabi: These are the ever-giving plants like carrots or beets. They do seed and germinate quickly and offer various chances of harvesting at different sizes.
How long does it take for zucchini to grow?
Zucchini: Yes you read that right. If you lost your’s to bugs or disease, no worries, seed it again! Zucchini has a fast maturity of 45-50 days. So go for it!
What is crop rotation?
Crop Rotation: A term that means to rotate vegetables through beds over growing seasons. This can be done in the whole 4 seasons or in a year/2 year model. It depends on how long you grow things. You can skip some of the intensities of it in my experience by just laying fresh compost between plantings. Crop rotation is intended to disperse nutrient usage of the soil and even for some plants to be part of rebuilding the soil. For instance, Tomatoes remove A LOT of nutrients but then plants like beans can rebuild nitrogen in the soil as well. For a simple method of crop rotation, you can check out this post about crop rotation.
What is succession planting?
Succession Planting: This term is the idea of continuing to plant things through the entire growing season. Meaning that after your spring peas you plant your summer peppers for instance. There are lots of ways to perceive what to plant behind the other, which is where the term Crop Rotation comes into play, but in most cases, I give the below very general rule of thumb to beginners:
