Rutland, VT planting zone & frost dates
Rutland is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 15 and the first fall frost around September 27, for a growing season of about 132 days.
Planting calendar for Rutland
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 15) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 29 – Jun 5 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 29 – Jun 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 Transplant outdoors: May 22 – May 29 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 27).
Useful for zone 5a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | May 1 | May 15 | May 31 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 8 | Sep 27 | Sep 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 31, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Rutland
- 05701 zone 5a
- 05702 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- South Burlington zone 5a, last frost Apr 29
- Essex Junction zone 5a, last frost May 2
- Burlington zone 5b, last frost Apr 29
- Colchester zone 5a, last frost May 2
Questions
What growing zone is Rutland, VT?
Rutland is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Rutland?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Rutland is May 15. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 31.
When can I plant tomatoes in Rutland?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 22 – May 29. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Rutland, VT (USC00436995), 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 189 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.