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USDA Zone 3

Cold winters, a very short summer. Cool-season crops and fast warm-season varieties.

Climate Overview

What to expect

  • Bitterly cold winters with deep, lasting snow
  • A short frost-free window — roughly 90 to 120 days
  • Last frost often late May to early June; first frost early September
  • Warm-season crops need to be started indoors and chosen for speed

What Grows Well

KaleCabbageBroccoliPeasPotatoesCarrotsBeetsLettuceSpinachShort-season beansHardy herbsRhubarb

Seeds To Stock

  • Peas
  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Radishes
  • Short-season beans
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Direct Sow Suggestions

  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Kale (after thaw)

Tray Start Suggestions

  • Tomatoes (short-season)
  • Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Lettuce

Monthly Planning

Current month is highlighted. Click any month to see the plan.

USDA Zone 3

JuneThis month

Plant Now

  • Beans
  • Summer squash
  • Cucumbers
  • Sunflowers
  • Carrots
  • Beets

Start In Trays

Nothing this month.

Harvest

  • Spring greens
  • Radishes

Prepare Next

  • Transplant tomatoes with protection
  • Succession-sow greens

Common Challenges

Watch out for

  • Very short growing season
  • Late spring and early fall frosts
  • Cold soil delaying germination
  • Choosing fast-maturing varieties

Near Anderson, Redding, or Red Bluff, California? Our local guides go a lot deeper than this zone overview.