Zone 5 — -20 to -10°F

What grows in Zone 5

Zone 5 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:

• Tomatoes (full range of varieties)
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Squash, melons, cucumbers
• Beans (bush + pole)
• Sweet corn
• Apples, pears, plums
• Cherries (sweet + sour)
• Blueberries, raspberries
• Garlic
• Asparagus
• Herbs (perennial + annual)

Climate notes for Zone 5

Classic Midwest growing zone. Most US gardening books default to zone 5 timing. Mulch garlic and perennials before deep winter freezes.

Frost dates and timing

These are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth) can shift dates by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.

Source and methodology

Temperature ranges from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online national averages within each zone. Plant recommendations curated by the Growli editorial team from US extension service references.

What to plant in Zone 5

Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 5:

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 5
• When to plant peppers in zone 5
• When to plant basil in zone 5
• When to plant garlic in zone 5
• When to plant lettuce in zone 5
• When to plant bush beans in zone 5
• When to plant cucumbers in zone 5
• When to plant summer squash in zone 5
• When to plant peas in zone 5
• When to plant carrots in zone 5
• When to plant broccoli in zone 5
• When to plant cauliflower in zone 5
• When to plant cabbage in zone 5
• When to plant kale in zone 5
• When to plant brussels sprouts in zone 5
• When to plant collard greens in zone 5
• When to plant spinach in zone 5
• When to plant swiss chard in zone 5
• When to plant arugula in zone 5
• When to plant beets in zone 5
• When to plant radishes in zone 5
• When to plant turnips in zone 5
• When to plant parsnips in zone 5
• When to plant kohlrabi in zone 5
• When to plant onions in zone 5
• When to plant leeks in zone 5
• When to plant celery in zone 5
• When to plant asparagus in zone 5
• When to plant rhubarb in zone 5
• When to plant potatoes in zone 5
• When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 5
• When to plant eggplant in zone 5
• When to plant okra in zone 5
• When to plant sweet corn in zone 5
• When to plant pumpkins in zone 5
• When to plant winter squash in zone 5
• When to plant zucchini in zone 5
• When to plant cantaloupe in zone 5
• When to plant watermelon in zone 5
• When to plant pole beans in zone 5
• When to plant edamame in zone 5
• When to plant fava beans in zone 5
• When to plant cilantro in zone 5
• When to plant dill in zone 5
• When to plant parsley in zone 5
• When to plant oregano in zone 5
• When to plant thyme in zone 5
• When to plant sage in zone 5
• When to plant chives in zone 5

Common questions

Related guides

• Zone 5 frost dates — average last & first frost
• How to grow tomatoes — complete guide
• How to grow peppers — beginner guide
• How to grow basil — indoor and outdoor
• How to start a vegetable garden