Gardening in USDA Zone 5b

moderate growing season Β· Frost-free ~140-170 days Β· Min temp -15Β°F to -10Β°F

Growing Season
moderate
Frost-Free Period
~140-170 days
Min Temperature
-15Β°F to -10Β°F

❄️ Frost Dates β€” Zone 5b

Average Last Spring Frost
April 22

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

Average First Fall Frost
October 14

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

πŸ“… View Frost Forecast β†’

πŸ“ Where is Zone 5b?

Central Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Nevada, parts of Colorado

🌱 Soil & Growing Notes

Generally good with moderate fertility. Mulch well to retain moisture in summer heat.

🌱 Plan My Zone 5b Garden β†’

What Grows Well in Zone 5b?

Zone 5b has a moderate growing season with roughly ~140-170 days of frost-free weather β€” last spring frost around April 22, first fall frost around October 14. That's enough time for 43+ 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 5b

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
🍠
Sweet Potato
90-120 days Β· $6.99
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
🌱
Okra
50-65 days Β· $2.99
🌱
Asparagus
730 days Β· $19.99

🌿 Best Herbs for Zone 5b

🌿
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 5b

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

Ready to plan your Zone 5b garden?

Design your plot in under a minute. See exactly what to plant, what it will cost, and how much you'll harvest.

Start Planning β†’

Other USDA Zones