Frost Dates for Essex Junction, VT 05452
Last spring frost May 18 · First fall frost September 25 · 130 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5a
ZIP 05452 has about 22,600 people.
Moderate season: 130 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 3–June 2 (30 days). Fall frost risk spans September 11–October 10 (29 days).
Frost probability for 05452
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 2 | May 18 | May 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 11 | September 25 | October 10 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at ESSEX JUNCTION 1 N (4.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 130-day season in Essex Junction
In Essex Junction (130 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 13 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 88 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 88 available after Jun 1. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 6 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 88 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 88 available after Jun 1. | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 23 | Apr 20–Apr 27 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 2. | Aug 4 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 27–May 4 | 172 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 172 available after Apr 27. | Jul 24 |
| Cucumber | Apr 27 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 102 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 102 available after Jun 1. | Jun 29 |
| Beans | — | May 25–Jun 8 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 25. | Jul 6 |
| Peas | — | Mar 23–Jun 1 | 193 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 193 available after Mar 23. | Jul 15 |
| Zucchini | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 102 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 102 available after Jun 1. | Jul 4 |
| Onion | Feb 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 165 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 23–May 11 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 23 |
| Kale | Mar 9 | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Broccoli | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 165 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 165 available after Apr 20. | Jun 30 |
| Cabbage | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 20. | Jul 24 |
| Radish | — | Mar 23–Jun 15 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 2. | Aug 24 |
| Beets | — | Mar 23–Jun 15 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Potatoes | — | May 4–May 11 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after May 4. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 25 | 235 | overwinter: Plant Sep 25 to Oct 16; harvest the following summer. | Oct 16 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 13–Jun 8 | 186 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 13; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 20 | May 25–Jun 1 | 102 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 102 available after May 25. | Jun 7 |
| Pumpkin | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 1 | 95 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 1, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 6 | May 11–May 25 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after May 11. | Jul 5 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 23 | May 4–May 4 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 23–Jun 15 | 207 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 23 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 23 | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 179 available after Apr 20. | Jun 24 |
| Butternut Squash | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 95 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 1, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 30 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 88 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 88 available after Jun 1. | Jun 5 |
| Okra | Apr 20 | May 25–Jun 1 | 109 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 109 available after May 25. | Jul 4 |
| Basil | Apr 13 | Jun 8–Jun 8 | 95 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 95 available after Jun 8. | Jun 29 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 20–May 11 | 165 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 30 |
| Parsley | Mar 9 | May 25–Jun 1 | 130 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 130 available after May 25. | Jul 10 |
| Celery | Mar 9 | May 25–Jun 8 | 130 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 130 available after May 25. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 9 | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 13; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 13 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 6–Apr 20 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 6 and again by Aug 8; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 8 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 20 | May 11–May 18 | 144 | two-plantings: Plant May 11 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 2. | Aug 4 |
| Collards | Mar 9 | Apr 20–May 4 | 179 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 16. | Aug 3 |
| Cantaloupe | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 88 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 88 available after Jun 1. | — |
| Chives | Feb 23 | May 25–Jun 1 | 144 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 144 available after May 25. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 23–Jun 15 | 193 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 23 and again by Jul 25; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 25 |
| Oregano | Mar 9 | May 25–Jun 1 | 144 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 144 available after May 25. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 23 | May 25–Jun 1 | 130 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 130 available after May 25. | — |
| Sage | Mar 23 | May 25–Jun 1 | 144 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 144 available after May 25. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 9 | May 25–Jun 1 | 144 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 144 available after May 25. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 6 | May 4–May 18 | 151 | two-plantings: Plant May 4 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 2. | Jul 30 |
| Cosmos | Apr 20 | May 18–Jun 1 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 18. | Jun 29 |
| Lavender | Feb 23 | May 18–Jun 1 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after May 18. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 6 | May 18–May 25 | 116 | two-plantings: Plant May 18 and again by Jul 9; both mature before Sep 11. | Jul 9 |
| Melons | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 88 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 88 available after Jun 1. | — |
| Mint | — | May 18–Jun 1 | 151 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 151 available after May 18. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 20 | May 18–May 25 | 116 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 116 available after May 18. | Jul 4 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 25–Jun 8 | 109 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 109 available after May 25. | Jun 24 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 95 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 95 available after Jun 1. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 18–Jun 1 | 116 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 116 available after May 18. | Jun 19 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 23 | May 25–Jun 1 | 95 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 95 available after May 25. | May 31 |
| Watermelon | May 4 | May 25–Jun 1 | 95 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 95 available after May 25. | May 26 |
| Yellow Squash | May 4 | Jun 1–Jun 8 | 102 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 102 available after Jun 1. | Jul 4 |
| Zinnias | Apr 20 | May 18–Jun 1 | 116 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 116 available after May 18. | Jun 29 |
Month by month in Essex Junction
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 23), Lavender (Feb 23), Onion (Feb 23), Rosemary (Feb 23). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 9), Collards (Mar 9), Kale (Mar 9), Oregano (Mar 9), Parsley (Mar 9), Scallions (Mar 9), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 23), Beets (Mar 23), Dill (Mar 23), Peas (Mar 23), Radish (Mar 23), Spinach (Mar 23). |
| April | Start indoors: Calendula (Apr 6), Cauliflower (Apr 6), Marigolds (Apr 6), Pepper (Apr 6), Basil (Apr 13), Tomato (Apr 13), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 6), Cilantro (Apr 20), Turnip (Apr 20), Carrots (Apr 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 20), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 20), Cabbage (Apr 20), Collards (Apr 20), Kale (Apr 20), Lettuce (Apr 20), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 13). |
| May | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (May 4), Cantaloupe (May 4), Melons (May 4), Pumpkin (May 4), Spaghetti Squash (May 4), Watermelon (May 4), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (May 4), Sunflowers (May 18), Beans (May 25), Pole Beans (May 25). Transplant from: Calendula (May 4), Swiss Chard (May 4), Bok Choy (May 11), Cauliflower (May 11), Cosmos (May 18), Lavender (May 18), +15 more. Last frost around May 18. Last sowing dates: Watermelon (May 26), Tomatillos (May 31). |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 1), Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Cucumber (Jun 1), Eggplant (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Pepper (Jun 1), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jun 5), Corn (Jun 7), Sunflowers (Jun 19), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 24), Pole Beans (Jun 24), Basil (Jun 29), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Jul 4), Okra (Jul 4), Yellow Squash (Jul 4), Zucchini (Jul 4), Cauliflower (Jul 5), Beans (Jul 6), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Collards (Aug 3), Scallions (Aug 3), Bok Choy (Aug 4), Lettuce (Aug 4), Kale (Aug 8), Kohlrabi (Aug 8), +4 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 25). First frost around September 25. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 16). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Essex Junction, VT (ZIP 05452)?
The median last spring frost date for Essex Junction, VT (ZIP code 05452) is around May 18. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 3; one in ten it runs past June 2.
What is the first fall frost date in Essex Junction, VT?
The median first fall frost date for Essex Junction, VT is around September 25. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 11 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Essex Junction, VT?
The frost-free growing season in Essex Junction is about 130 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Essex Junction (130 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Essex Junction, VT?
Essex Junction, VT is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Essex Junction, VT?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 13 and plant out Jun 1 in Essex Junction. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Essex Junction?
Two: plant Apr 20 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 2.
When do I plant garlic in Essex Junction?
Sep 25 to Oct 16; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Essex Junction?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 1, the outdoor season is about 5 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Williston (ZIP 05495) has 148 frost-free days, 18 more than Essex Junction (ZIP 05452). See Williston ZIP 05495 frost dates
Nearby and related
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