State growing guide
Vermont Planting Guide
USDA Zone 4b/5a · Last frost May 10 · First frost Oct 1 · 144 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Vermont.
Frost Dates by City — Vermont
Average frost dates for major Vermont cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 5b | May 5 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
| Montpelier | 4b | May 20 | Sep 20 | ~2 wks after (May 20) |
| Brattleboro | 5b | May 5 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
| Rutland | 4b | May 15 | Sep 28 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Vermont Gardeners
- Burlington (Zone 5b) is the best growing area in Vermont
- Start tomatoes indoors in early April for best results
- Row covers can add 3–4 weeks at each end of the season
Common Challenges in Vermont
- ⚠ Very short growing season in much of Vermont
- ⚠ Northern Vermont (Zone 3b–4a) can frost any month in summer
Best Crops for Vermont
Potatoes Kale Peas Carrots Beets Winter Squash Garlic Short-Season Tomatoes
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Vermont
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vermont Gardening
What zone is Vermont?
Vermont ranges from Zone 3b (Northeast Kingdom) to Zone 6a (Brattleboro area). Burlington is Zone 5b, Montpelier is Zone 4b.