When to Plant in Burlington, VT

Burlington, Vermont, has a gardening climate characterized by a median last spring frost date of May 8 and a median first fall frost date of October 3, giving its gardeners about 148 frost-free days each year. This range can dictate a local gardener's work habits and plant choices, as knowing the exact dates allows for better planning and crop selection.

The humid continental (cold winters) microclimate in Burlington means that certain crops thrive while others struggle. Vegetables such as kale and Brussels sprouts excel due to their cold hardiness, benefiting from the longer growing season. Conversely, crops like peppers and eggplants tend to struggle, as they require consistently warmer temperatures to flourish.

What to plant now in Burlington

In early spring, between mid-March and late April, focus on hardy crops like peas and spinach. These crops can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked, often before the last frost.
As the frost-free season begins in late May after the last frost on May 8, consider transplanting warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers. Start these indoors by mid-April for the best results and plant out after May 8.
Summer is the perfect time to sow fast-growing crops like radishes and bush beans. Plant these directly in the garden from late June to August for a continuous harvest throughout the warm months.
As fall approaches, plan for a last push before the first frost on October 3. Sow quick-maturing crops such as turnips and fall lettuce. Aim to have these in the ground by early September to ensure a harvest before the frost hits.

In Burlington (148 frost-free days, a moderate season), 34 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 21 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Burlington

Month	What to do
January	In January, gardening tasks are minimal due to the cold. It's a great time for planning your spring garden layout and ordering seeds, taking advantage of winter sales.
February	February can still be very cold, but it's ideal for starting seeds indoors. Focus on hardy greens like kale and early tomatoes so they're ready to transplant by late April.
March	March signals the start of spring preparations. Begin cleaning up your garden beds and consider starting seeds indoors for hardy crops like onions and broccoli.
April	In April, the soil will begin to warm. You can start sowing seeds for peas and spinach directly outdoors. Be cautious of potential late frosts until after May 8.
May	May is crucial with the last frost date on May 8. After this date, transition to planting warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers outdoors while ensuring they are acclimated.
June	By June, the garden is in full swing. Focus on maintaining your crops with consistent watering and weeding, while continuously sowing quick-growing varieties for summer harvests.
July	July is warm and ideal for the growth of many vegetables. Keep an eye on pest control and continue to plant succession crops for staggered harvests throughout the season.
August	In August, begin planning for fall. You can still plant crops like bush beans and radishes for a late summer harvest before the cooler temperatures arrive.
September	September requires attention as frost is nearing. Sow quick-maturing crops like turnips and fall greens while preparing for covering plants as the first frost on October 3 approaches.
October	October is the time to harvest late crops before the first frost date of October 3. Focus on finishing up harvesting and preparing your garden for winter.
November	November brings the end of the gardening season. Clean up your garden beds to prepare for winter and consider planting cover crops to enrich the soil for next spring.
December	Now is a time of rest in the garden. You can use December to reflect on your gardening successes and failures while preparing for the next planting season.

Frost dates for Burlington ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
05401	May 8	October 3	5b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Burlington?

The last frost in Burlington typically occurs on May 8, marking an important date for local gardeners when planning their planting schedules.

What vegetables grow best in Burlington?

In Burlington, crops such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and cold-weather carrots thrive, thanks to the favorable cooler temperatures of the growing season.

When should I plant tomatoes in Burlington?

Tomatoes should be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date of May 8. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks prior to that to ensure healthy plants.

Can I garden year-round in Burlington?

Gardening year-round in Burlington can be challenging due to the cold winters. However, using cold frames or greenhouses can extend the growing season.

How does Plan My Garden help Burlington gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice and local frost dates specific to Burlington, helping gardeners optimize their planting schedules and crop choices.