What & When to plant
Zone 6a features a slightly cooler climate compared to Zone 6(b), making it important to tailor your vegetable planting schedule accordingly. Here's a guide for when to plant various vegetables & flowers in Zone 6a:
Early Spring
March to April
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Vegetables:
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Peas
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Radishes
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Spinach
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Lettuce
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Kale
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Swiss chard
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Broccoli
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Cauliflower
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Cabbage
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Carrots
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Flowers:
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Zinnias
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Pansies
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Tulips
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Daffodils
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Crocuses
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Hyacinths
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Violas
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Sweet Alyssum
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Primroses
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Summer
May to June
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Vegetables:
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Tomatoes
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Peppers
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Eggplant
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Okra
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Sweet potatoes
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Flowers:
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Zinnias
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Marigolds
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Sunflowers
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Dahlias
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Roses
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Lilies
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Cosmos
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Petunias
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Impatiens
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Geraniums
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Late Fall/Winter
Late Spring
April to May
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Vegetables:
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Beets
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Turnips
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Onions
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Potatoes
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Cucumbers
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Zucchini
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Squash
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Pumpkins
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Melons
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Beans
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Flowers:
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Daffodils
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Hyacinths
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Irises
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Daisies
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Peonies
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Bleeding Hearts
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Grape Hyacinths
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Calendulas
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Snapdragons
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Marigolds
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Fall
July to August for cool-season crops; August to September for warm-season crops
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Vegetables:
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Cool-season crops: Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, Swiss chard, Radishes
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Warm-season crops: Beans, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Squash, Pumpkins, Melons
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Flowers:
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Mums
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Asters
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Crocuses
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Autumn Joy Sedum
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Black-Eyed Susans
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Chrysanthemums
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Heleniums
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Pansies
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Ornamental Kale
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Ornamental Cabbage
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September to October
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Vegetables:
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Garlic (plant cloves for overwintering)
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Shallots (plant bulbs for overwintering)
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Flowers:
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Tulips
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Winter Pansies
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Winter Jasmine
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Hellebores
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Snowdrops
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Camellias
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Cyclamens
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Violas (winter variety)
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Sweet William (Dianthus)
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Companion Vegetables and Plants to Avoid
New USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Map (2023)
The zones are changing
Plant hardiness zones represent the best estimate of the average annual extreme minimum temperature at any location and are based on temperature data over a particular time period, often 30 years. The newest hardiness zone map is based on weather data from 1991 to 2020, and like earlier versions, is divided into 13 zones across the United States.
Soil Composition & Fertilizer
Optimizing soil composition and providing the right fertilizers are essential for cultivating a thriving garden. They create a nourishing environment, fostering robust plant growth, vibrant blooms, and bountiful harvests. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of your soil ensures a healthy foundation for your plants, contributing to the overall success of your gardening endeavors.
SOIL TYPES
SOIL COMPOSITION
FERTILIZER
A FEW MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER...
And The Most Important Part of Gardening
HAVE FUN!!
The most important part of gardening is to have fun – to relish the moments of sowing, nurturing, and witnessing the growth of your green companions. Embrace the learning experiences, celebrate the successes, and find delight in the ever-changing beauty of your garden. Ultimately, it's the sheer enjoyment of the process that transforms gardening into a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor.