Vegetables & Herbs to Plant in USA

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USA Hardiness Zone Map

The USDA has produced a Plant Hardiness Zone Map for each State.

Gardeners can use these maps or enter their Zip Code to determine the zone for the area in which they live and want to grow vegetables and herbs. The zones determine which plants are most likely to grow well at a location. The maps and zone classifications are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones. Below is a list of the 900 largest cities in USA. Use the search tool to find your nearest town or city. Click the link and you be be shown information for your zone. If you already know your zone click on the relevant link to go to the page with the planting calendars and other information for your climate.

Simplified USA Hardiness Zone Map
Simplified USA Hardiness Zone Map. Source:USDA
USA Hardiness Zone Map
USA Hardiness Zone Map. Source:USDA

Hardiness Zone Classification Based on Minimum Temperature

Temperature scales used to define USDA hardiness zones are the mean annual extreme minimums (that is the lowest temperature recorded there in a given year). The USDA uses temperature data from various sites, averaged over a range of years.

USDA Hardiness Temperature Scale
USDA Hardiness Temperature Scale. Source: Original Image

USA Hardiness Zone Descriptions

The USDA Hardiness zones essentially rely on mean annual extreme minimum temperature. While this sets a minimum criteria for plant survival for endemic species, is not the only climatic factor that determines the suitability of a location for growing vegetables and herbs. For example, snow cover can provide winter insulation in many regions which can be critical. The date of the first and last frost is obviously important for defining the growing season. It also defines the plant out date for seedling and sowing dates for direct plantings. Other factors such as maximum wind gusts, rainfall patterns and summer temperatures are likely to be important as well. The zone classification is at best a rough guide. Local conditions need to be taken into account. The method used to designate plants that are suitable for various hardiness zones is not well defined. This depends on whether plants can be established in seed trays and pots well before the last frost. Some plants do not do well in hot summers. Some may bolt to seed early and nor produce a reliable crop. It pays to check with local experienced growers to make use of their experience when choosing a zone. Local knowledge is also invaluable for determining which plants will grow best in your garden and when to plant them.

USA Zone 2a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −45.6 to −42.8°C (−50 to −45°F)

Continental Subarctic & Alpine Climates - Short summers and Extremely Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: Prudhoe Bay, Alaska; Flin Flon, Manitoba (USA)

Zone 2a is located in north continental United States and Alaska. The climate is classified as Dfb by the Köppen-Geiger system. Planting Zone 2 (a & b) features very harsh winter conditions with average minimum temperatures of between -50 to -40 degrees F. High winds, snow and drought conditions are also a great challenge. Creative planting techniques, hot houses and early planting in pots and seed trays are required for successfully growing vegetables and herbs. Very few perennial vegetables will work in Zone 2. Best to choose annual vegetables with a short growing season for the best results. Some possible vegetables are: Swiss chard, Carrots, Mustard greens, Parsnips and Onions. Some herbs worth considering are: Hyssop, Juniper, Turkestan Rose.

Towns Include:

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

USA Zone 2b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −42.8 to −40.0°C (−45 to −40°F)

Continental Subarctic & Alpine Climates - Short summers and Extremely Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: Unalakleet, Alaska; Pinecreek, Minnesota

Zone 2b is located in north continental United States and Alaska. The climate is classified as Dfb by the Köppen-Geiger system. Planting Zone 2 (a & b) features very harsh winter conditions with average minimum temperatures of between -50 to -40 degrees F. High winds, snow and drought conditions are also a great challenge. Creative planting techniques, hot houses and early planting in pots and seed trays are required for successfully growing vegetables and herbs. Very few perennial vegetables will work in Zone 2. Best to choose annual vegetables with a short growing season for the best results. Some possible vegetables are: Swiss chard, Carrots, Mustard greens, Parsnips and Onions. Some herbs worth considering are: Hyssop, Juniper, Turkestan Rose.

USA Zone 3a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −40.0 to −37.2°C (−40 to −35°F)

Continental Subarctic and Alpine Climates - Short Mild Humid Summers and Extremely Cold winters

Indicative Towns: International Falls, Minnesota; St. Michael, Alaska

Zone 3a areas typically have a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb), with long, extremely cold winters and humid warm summers

Plant hardiness Zone 3 (a & a) is found throughout Alaska, and in high altitude areas in northern United States. Zone 3 (a & a) features minimum average temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees F. Depending on your location growing conditions can also be affected by high winds, extreme cold and low rainfall in summer.

Zone 3 (a & b) has a very short growing season for growing vegetables and herbs. The last frost date is around the middle of May. The first frost date is generally in mid-September. Adding row covers can help extend the growing season and warm the ground. Plant vegetables that germinate and mature quickly to beat early frosts. In addition to Zone 2 plants, vegetables to plant in summer include: Cucumbers, Summer squash, Asparagus, Winter squash and Celery. Some additional herbs to plant include: English chamomile, French sorrel, Caraway, Catnip, Horseradish, Peppermint, Parsley and Garlic.

USA Zone 3b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −37.2 to −34.4°C (−35 to −30°F)

Continental Subarctic and Alpine Climates - Short Mild Humid Summers and Extremely Cold winters

Indicative Towns: Tomahawk, Wisconsin; Sidney, Montana

Zone 3b areas typically have a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb), with long, extremely cold winters and humid warm summers

Plant hardiness Zone 3 (a & a) is found throughout Alaska, and in high altitude areas in northern United States. Zone 3 (a & a) features minimum average temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees F. Depending on your location growing conditions can also be affected by high winds, extreme cold and low rainfall in summer.

Zone 3 (a & b) has a very short growing season for growing vegetables and herbs. The last frost date is around the middle of May. The first frost date is generally in mid-September. Adding row covers can help extend the growing season and warm the ground. Plant vegetables that germinate and mature quickly to beat early frosts. In addition to Zone 2 plants, vegetables to plant in summer include: Cucumbers, Summer squash, Asparagus, Winter squash and Celery. Some additional herbs to plant include: English chamomile, French sorrel, Caraway, Catnip, Horseradish, Peppermint, Parsley and Garlic.

USA Zone 4a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −34.4 to −31.7°C (−30 to −25°F)

Temperate with Mild Summers and Cold Winter

Indicative Towns: Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota; Lewistown, Montana

Zone 4a includes semiarid steppe, alpine and humid continental (cool summer) climates and northern mountainous areas. It includes most of Alaska and northern areas of USA. Lewistown experiences a relatively dry humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with long, dry and usually cold winters and short, warm, wetter summers.

Zone 4 (a & b) has more opportunities for growing vegetables and herbs with a slightly extended growing season and warm summers. Start plants early indoors or purchase seedlings grown in a greenhouse. Adding a good layer of mulch and covering plants during last frosts can help more plants survive the cold winters.

USA Zone 4b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −31.7 to −28.9°C (−25 to −20°F)

Temperate with Mild Summers and Cold Winter

Indicative Towns: Anchorage, Alaska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Zone 4b includes semiarid steppe, alpine and humid continental (cool summer) climates and northern mountainous areas. It includes most of Alaska and northern areas of USA.

Zone 4 (a & b) has more opportunities for growing vegetables and herbs with a slightly extended growing season and warm summers. Start plants early indoors or purchase seedlings grown in a greenhouse. Adding a good layer of mulch and covering plants during last frosts can help more plants survive the cold winters.

Vegetables to add to Zone 2 & 3 lists for growing in Zone 4 include: Rhubarb, Okra,
Pumpkins, Eggplant and Melons. Extra herbs to grow include: Angelica, Sage, Lemon balm,
Mint, Thyme and Winter savory.

USA Zone 5a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −28.9 to −26.1°C (−20 to −15°F)

Temperate with Mild Summers and Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: Burlington, Vermont; Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Zone 5a includes the southern coastal region of Alaska, the North Central United States and parts of New England. Zone 5 has medium length growing season. The first frost date is in mid-May and the last in mid-October. This zone had a cold winter and warm summers, but it includes a wide range of sub-climates.

The list of extra vegetables and herbs you can grow in Zone 5 (a & b), include: Kale, Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Winter greens, Hybrid Mints and Lavender.

USA Zone 5b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −26.1 to −23.3°C (−15 to −10°F)

Temperate with Mild Summers and Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: Columbia, Missouri; Mansfield, Pennsylvania

Crosses semiarid steppe, alpine and humid continental (cool summer) and humid continental (warm summer) climates. It includes coastal and near-coastal inland areas of Alaska. It also includes mountainous and cold parts of northern USA. The first frost date is in mid-May and the last in mid-October. This zone had a cold winter and warm summers, but it includes a wide range of sub-climates.

The list of extra vegetables and herbs you can grow in Zone 5 (a & b), include: Kale, Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Winter greens, Hybrid Mints and Lavender.

USA Zone 6a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −23.3 to −20.6°C (−10 to −5°F)

Temperate Warm Summers and Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: St. Louis, Missouri; Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Zone 6 (a & b) includes most of the United States. It has a generally mild climate with average minimum winter temperature is between -10 to 0 degrees F. Winters are cold but summers are generally mild to hot with good rainfall and humidity. The last frost date is at the start of May and the first is at the start of November. This provides an extended growing season.

The extended growing season and hotter summers mean that most warm weather suited vegetables and herbs and be grown, though not generally warm enough for melons and watermelons. Vegetables that do well in Zone 6 include : Bush beans, Butter lettuce, Tomatoes, Longer season melons and Winter squash. The expanded list of herbs include: Coriander, Dill, Borage and Oregano.

USA Zone 6b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −20.6 to −17.8°C (−5 to 0°F)

Temperate Warm Summers and Cold Winters

Indicative Towns: McMinnville, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri

The extended growing season and hotter summers mean that most warm weather suited vegetables and herbs and be grown, though not generally warm enough for melons and watermelons. Vegetables that do well in Zone 6 include : Bush beans, Butter lettuce, Tomatoes, Longer season melons and Winter squash. The expanded list of herbs include: Coriander, Dill, Borage and Oregano.

USA Zone 7a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −17.8 to −15.0°C (0 to 5°F)

Temperate Warm Summers and Cool Winters

Indicative Towns: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; South Boston, Virginia

Zone 7 Crosses areas of midlatitude desert and semiarid steppe but is mostly in humid continental (warm summer) and humid subtropical climates. It includes areas along the coast of Alaska. Zone 7 extends in a band across about 15 U.S. states. This zone features cool winters with average minimum temperatures falling between 0 to 10 degrees F.

Zone 7 (a & b) has medium length growing season. Most vegetable varieties will have adequate time to mature before the first frost date. With a last frost date is in mid April and first frost date is in mid November.

The region’s wide variety in sub-climates means that gardeners need to consider other issues apart from temperature and frost dates. Most vegetables and herbs can be grown. The long, and generally hot summers, combined with the milder winters provide ideal growing temperatures for most vegetables and herbs.

USA Zone 7b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −15.0 to −12.2°C (5 to 10°F)

Temperate Warm Summers and Cool Winters

Indicative Towns: Little Rock, Arkansas; Griffin, Georgia

Zone 7 Crosses areas of midlatitude desert and semiarid steppe but is mostly in humid continental (warm summer) and humid subtropical climates. It includes areas along the coast of Alaska. Zone 7 extends in a band across about 15 U.S. states.

Zone 7 (a & b) has medium length growing season. Most vegetable varieties will have adequate time to mature before the first frost date. With a last frost date is in mid April and first frost date is in mid November.

The region’s wide variety in sub-climates means that gardeners need to consider other issues apart from temperature and frost dates. Most vegetables and herbs can be grown. The long, and generally hot summers, combined with the milder winters provide ideal growing temperatures for most vegetables and herbs.

USA Zone 8a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −12.2 to −9.4°C (10 to 15°F)

Temperate Year Round - Mild Winters, Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Tifton, Georgia; Dallas, Texas

Zone 8 included a large part of southern United States. It extends up the western coast.

Zone 8 (a & b) has a long growing season with generally hot summers and short mild to cold winters. Most vegetable and herbs varieties will grow well. The last frost date is at the start of April and first frost date is at the start of December. Some extra plants to grow in this warmer zone include: Cantaloupe, Hot peppers, Okra, Field peas, Tomatoes and Watermelon. Some extra herbs to grow include: Marjoram, Mexican oregano, Rosemary and Sage.

USA Zone 8b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −9.4 to −6.7°C (15 to 20°F)

Temperate Year Round - Mild Winters, Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Florida

Zone 8b zone has a temperate climate classified as oceanic or marine west coast (Köppen Cfb). Zone 8 included a large part of southern United States. It extends up the western coast. Rainfall is generally high. On average, snow falls occur on 7-10 days per year. Winters are very mild. Growing season averages around 200-250 days, extending from March until November.

Zone 8 (a & b) has a long growing season with generally hot summers and short mild to cold winters. Most vegetable and herbs varieties will grow well. The last frost date is at the start of April and first frost date is at the start of December. Some extra plants to grow in this warmer zone include: Cantaloupe, Hot peppers, Okra, Field peas, Tomatoes and Watermelon. Some extra herbs to grow include: Marjoram, Mexican oregano, Rosemary and Sage.

USA Zone 9a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −6.7 to −3.9°C (20 to 25°F)

Temperate Year Round, Warm Winters and Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Houston, Texas; St. Augustine, Florida

Zone 9a include much of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and also along the Gulf of Mexico coast, this zone features warm winters and hot summers.

Zone 9 has an extensive growing season that is considered year-round. Most vegetable varieties will do very well in this zone. The last frost date is at the beginning of March and the first frost date is about mid December. Most vegetables and herbs can be grown in this area including many suited to sub-tropical conditions. However the hot summer may affect heat-sensitive varieties. The following vegetables and herbs can be grown throughout the winter: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli. Brussels sprouts, Asian Greens,
Spinach, Cilantro, Parsley. Other herbs to grow include: Chives, Coriander, Basil, Bay laurel, Lemon thyme, Marjoram, Mint.

USA Zone 9b

Extreme Minimum Temperate −3.9 to −1.1°C (25 to 30°F)

Temperate Year Round, Warm Winters and Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Brownsville, Texas; Fort Pierce, Florida

Zone 9b include much of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and also along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Most of the Zone is in in humid subtropical climate areas. this zone features warm winters and hot summers.

Zone 9 has an extensive growing season that is considered year-round. Most vegetable varieties will do very well in this zone. The last frost date is at the beginning of March and the first frost date is about mid December. Most vegetables and herbs can be grown in this area including many suited to sub-tropical conditions. However the hot summer may affect heat-sensitive varieties. The following vegetables and herbs can be grown throughout the winter: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli. Brussels sprouts, Asian Greens, Spinach, Cilantro, Parsley. Other herbs to grow include: Chives, Coriander, Basil, Bay laurel, Lemon thyme, Marjoram, Mint.

USA Zone 10a

Extreme Minimum Temperate −1.1 to +1.7°C (30 to 35°F)

Temperate Year Round, Warm Winters and Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Naples, Florida; Victorville, California

This Zone covers Southern inland California, southern Florida and parts of inland Hawaii. The lack of frosts and freezing temperatures provides a huge boost for winter gardening. However the extreme heat of the summer limits planting possibilities during the hot months.

Cool season crops, such as lettuces, peas and radishes can be grown during the winter with low risk of cold damage. Summer vegetables must tolerate the hot summer days and frequent watering is required. Shifting vegetables into shaded areas also helps. Some extra varieties to consider are: Peanuts, Malabar spinach, Taro, Bitter melon, Tomatillos, Ginger, Curry leaf and Miracle fruit.

USA Zone 10b

Extreme Minimum Temperate +1.7 to +4.4°C (35 to 40°F)

Temperate Year Round, Warm Winters and Hot Summers

Indicative Towns: Huntington Beach, California; Los Angeles, California

This Zone covers Southern inland California, southern Florida and parts of inland Hawaii. The lack of frosts and freezing temperatures provides a huge boost for winter gardening. However the extreme heat of the summer limits planting possibilities during the hot months.

Cool season crops, such as lettuces, peas and radishes can be grown during the winter with low risk of cold damage. Summer vegetables must tolerate the hot summer days and frequent watering is required. Shifting vegetables into shaded areas also helps. Some extra varieties to consider are: Peanuts, Malabar spinach, Taro, Bitter melon, Tomatillos, Ginger, Curry leaf and Miracle fruit.

USA Zone 11a

Extreme Minimum Temperate +4.4 to +7.2°C (40 to 45°F)

Warm Year Round, Tropical Wet/Dry

Indicative Towns: Miami Beach, Florida

Planting Zone 11 is found in Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico and a few small areas of the Continental United States. Miami Beach, Florida has a Köppen climate classification 'Am', with hot and humid summers; short, warm winters; and a marked dry season with little rain in winter.

This warm region is frost-free and so cold hardiness no longer restricts growing vegetables and herbs in winter. Instead, growers have to consider the impact of summer heat has on their planting choices. Tropical plants can be grown in this zone. Cool season vegetables and herbs that can be grown in this region include: Kale, Radishes, Swiss chard, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Basil, Chives, Lemongrass, Mexican oregano, Thyme, Mint.

USA Zone 11b

Extreme Minimum Temperate +7.2 to +10°C (45 to 50°F)

Warm Year Round, Tropical Wet/Dry

Indicative Towns: Marathon, Florida; Key West, Florida

This zone includes most of the Florida keys. Interior area of the Hawaiian Islands that are close to the coast. The climate of Key West is of tropical savanna type (Köppen climate classification 'Aw'); with hot, humid and wet summers, while winters are warm and relatively dry with low rainfall.

This warm region is frost-free and so cold hardiness no longer restricts growing vegetables and herbs in winter. Instead, growers have to consider the impact of summer heat has on their planting choices. Tropical plants can be grown in this zone. Cool season vegetables and herbs that can be grown in this region include: Kale, Radishes, Swiss chard, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Basil, Chives, Lemongrass, Mexican oregano, Thyme, Mint

USA Zone 12a

Extreme Minimum Temperate +10.0 to +12.8°C (50 to 55°F)

Tropical Wet/Dry Climate

Indicative Towns: Mililani, Hawaii; Waipahu, Hawaii

This zone includes areas on the coast, and near-coast of the Hawaiian Islands.
This Zone mostly dry summers season, though monsoons can bring flooding. Winters are warm and wet. Temperatures are very even throughout the year.

Planting Zones 12 and 13 are not found in the continental United States, but are restricted to coastal areas of Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The climate is hot and tropical with warm winters and no frosts. The key is to pick vegetables and herbs that can tolerate extreme heat in summer. The focus is on tropical plants. Almost all vegetables can be grown in Zones 12 by simply planting during cooler months and by using shade and irrigation to reduce the threat of heat damage. Vegetables planted in late summer early will bring a harvest in late June or early July. Plants that are heat and drought tolerant and have a short growing season, suitable for this zone include: Hot peppers
Summer squashes, Bush beans, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Borage, Cilantro, Rosemary, Sage

USA Zone 12b

Extreme Minimum Temperate +12.8 to 15.6°C (55 to 60°F)

Tropical Wet/Dry Climate

Indicative Towns: Honolulu, Hawaii: San Juan, Puerto Rico

This Zone includes towns a short distance away from the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu has a Tropical (Köppen classification 'BSh'), with a mostly dry summer season, due to a rain shadow effect. Winter are warm. Temperatures are very even throughout the year.

Planting Zones 12 and 13 are not found in the continental United States, but are restricted to coastal areas of Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The climate is hot and tropical with warm winters and no frosts. The key is to pick vegetables and herbs that can tolerate extreme heat in summer. The focus is on tropical plants. Almost all vegetables can be grown in Zones 12 by simply planting during cooler months and by using shade and irrigation to reduce the threat of heat damage. Vegetables planted in late summer early will bring a harvest in late June or early July. Plants that are heat and drought tolerant and have a short growing season, suitable for this zone include: Hot peppers
Summer squashes, Bush beans, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Borage, Cilantro, Rosemary, Sage

USA Zone 13a & 13b

Extreme Minimum Temperate >15.6°C (60°F)

Tropical Wet/Dry Climate

Indicative Towns: Tiny parts of Hawaii



Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!