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USDA Zone 6

Moderate winters and a generous summer. A wide range of crops thrive.

Climate Overview

What to expect

  • Cold but moderate winters
  • Frost-free window of roughly 160 to 180 days
  • Last frost mid-April to early May; first frost mid-October
  • Long enough for nearly all common vegetables

What Grows Well

TomatoesPeppersEggplantBeansSquashCucumbersCornMelonsBrassicasPeasRoot cropsLettuceAll common herbs

Seeds To Stock

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplant
  • Beans
  • Squash
  • Cucumbers
  • Corn
  • Melons
  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Peas
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Direct Sow Suggestions

  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Squash

Tray Start Suggestions

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplant
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Broccoli
  • Onions

Monthly Planning

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

USDA Zone 6

JuneThis month

Plant Now

  • Beans (succession)
  • Cucumbers
  • Summer squash
  • Basil
  • Sunflowers

Start In Trays

  • Fall brassicas

Harvest

  • Peas
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Beets

Prepare Next

  • Succession-sow greens
  • Stake tomatoes

Common Challenges

Watch out for

  • Spring frost into early May
  • Summer heat and humidity in some areas
  • Fall frost mid-October
  • Disease pressure in wet summers

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