Gardening in USDA Zone 4a

short to moderate growing season Β· Frost-free ~110-140 days Β· Min temp -30Β°F to -25Β°F

Growing Season
short to moderate
Frost-Free Period
~110-140 days
Min Temperature
-30Β°F to -25Β°F

❄️ Frost Dates β€” Zone 4a

Average Last Spring Frost
May 15

Plant warm-weather crops after this date. Check 10-day forecasts before setting out tender plants.

Average First Fall Frost
September 21

Count back from this date to know how long your growing window is.

πŸ“… View Frost Forecast β†’

πŸ“ Where is Zone 4a?

Southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, parts of New York, northern New England

🌱 Soil & Growing Notes

Glacially-deposited silty loam in many areas. Generally fertile but can be compacted. Add organic matter yearly.

🌱 Plan My Zone 4a Garden β†’

What Grows Well in Zone 4a?

Zone 4a has a short to moderate growing season with roughly ~110-140 days of frost-free weather β€” last spring frost around May 15, first fall frost around September 21. That's enough time for 40+ popular garden plants, from fast-growing leafy greens to longer-season fruiting crops. Below is our curated list of plants that thrive in your zone.

πŸ₯• Best Vegetables for Zone 4a

πŸ…
Cherry Tomato
60-80 days Β· $3.49
πŸ…
Beefsteak Tomato
80-100 days Β· $3.99
πŸ«‘
Bell Pepper
60-90 days Β· $3.49
🌢️
JalapeΓ±o
65-80 days Β· $3.49
πŸ₯’
Cucumber
50-70 days Β· $2.99
πŸ₯’
Zucchini
45-65 days Β· $2.99
πŸŽƒ
Butternut Squash
90-110 days Β· $3.49
πŸŽƒ
Pumpkin
90-120 days Β· $3.49
πŸ†
Eggplant
70-90 days Β· $3.99
πŸ₯¬
Lettuce
30-60 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯¬
Spinach
35-50 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯¬
Kale
55-75 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯¬
Swiss Chard
50-60 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯¦
Broccoli
60-90 days Β· $2.99
πŸ₯¦
Cauliflower
55-100 days Β· $2.99
πŸ₯¬
Cabbage
70-100 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯¬
Brussels Sprouts
90-120 days Β· $2.99
πŸ₯•
Carrot
60-80 days Β· $2.49
πŸ₯•
Beet
50-70 days Β· $2.49
πŸ”΄
Radish
22-30 days Β· $1.99
πŸ₯”
Potato
70-120 days Β· $5.99
πŸ§…
Onion
90-120 days Β· $3.99
πŸ§„
Garlic
90-150 days Β· $8.99
🫘
Green Bean
50-60 days Β· $3.49
🟒
Sugar Snap Peas
55-70 days Β· $3.49
🌽
Sweet Corn
60-100 days Β· $2.99
🌱
Asparagus
730 days Β· $19.99

🌿 Best Herbs for Zone 4a

🌿
Basil
50-75 days
🌿
Cilantro
45-70 days
🌿
Parsley
70-90 days
🌿
Mint
60-90 days
🌿
Thyme
75-90 days
🌿
Oregano
80-90 days
🌿
Sage
75-90 days
🌿
Chives
60-90 days
🌿
Dill
40-60 days

πŸ“ Best Fruits for Zone 4a

πŸ“
Strawberry
60-90 days
🫐
Blueberry Bush
730 days
πŸ‡
Raspberry
365 days
🌱
Rhubarb
365 days

Ready to plan your Zone 4a garden?

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Other USDA Zones