Zone group
Zones 5 and 6
Four distinct seasons with cold winters and a moderate growing season, which suits a wide range of perennials, trees and vegetables.
Winter minimum
-20 to 0 (average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, per the USDA definition of each zone)
In plain language
In zones 5 and 6 you get a true winter and a generous growing season. Many familiar garden plants thrive here, and the calendar is easy to read: dormant pruning in late winter, planting in spring and fall, heavy growth in summer, cleanup in autumn. The main risk is a late spring frost after a warm spell, which can hit blossoms and early plantings.
Typical challenges
["Late spring frosts after early warm spells", "Summer heat and dry spells that stress cool-season lawns", "Freeze-thaw cycles that heave shallow plants", "Deer and rabbit browsing", "Leaf drop that smothers lawns if not managed"]
Planting
Plant cool-season crops in early spring and tender crops after the last frost. Fall is an excellent window for trees, shrubs and perennials because soil is warm and air is cool. Plant spring bulbs in fall.
Lawns
Cool-season grasses dominate. Early fall is the prime time to aerate, overseed and feed. Raise mowing height in summer, and keep up with leaf cleanup in autumn.
Season notes
Dormant pruning suits many trees and shrubs in late winter, though spring bloomers are best pruned right after flowering. Drain irrigation lines before the first hard freeze.
Worth knowing
Frost dates vary a lot within these zones. Use your local extension office for last and first frost dates, and check any local watering or fertilizer rules.
Zone temperature bands follow the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map definition. Look up an exact zone by ZIP code on the official USDA map.
