This post will explain when to plant seeds indoors or outdoors in garden zone 6. If you do not know your garden zone, you can find it by visiting the USDA plant hardiness page. A general rule of thumb for garden zone 6 is that the last frost occurs around May 1st and the first frost happens around November 1st. My experience has taught me that these guidelines are usually off by a few weeks, so my advice is to watch the weather closely.
I believe that there are two types of learning: listening to the "experts," which includes textbooks and 'professional' websites; or learning from first-hand experiences of those who have a little more practice.
Personally, I do a combination of both. Follow your instincts and make judgments based on the knowledge you have available, and remember the 10-day forecast is your friend! Gardening mistakes happen, and you will learn so much as you persevere!
Let's start at the beginning, but I've included a jump-to table of contents if you want to skip ahead!
Jump to:
- When to direct sow seeds in zone 6
- When to begin seeds indoors in zone 6
- What are considerations when planting in zone 6?
- How do I know WHEN to plant my garden?
- How to know when to plant a garden in zone 6
- Methods for organizing seeds
- How long do seeds last in storage?
- How to store seeds in a photo organizer
- How to pick the best location for a garden
- My top tips for choosing the best garden location
- Our garden layout
- How I prepare our garden for a spring frost
- Gardening Guides & Tips
- Beginner Garden Tips
- Latest posts!
- Comments
When to direct sow seeds in zone 6
- Early Spring (Late March to Early April): Hardy crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce can be directly sown into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked and temperatures begin to warm.
- Mid to Late Spring (Late April to Early May): Warm-season crops such as beans, corn, and squash can be sown directly into the garden once the soil has warmed up sufficiently and the risk of frost has passed.
When to begin seeds indoors in zone 6
- Early to Mid Spring (Late February to Early March): Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which require a longer growing season. This allows them to develop into sturdy seedlings before transplanting outdoors after the last frost date.
- Mid to Late Spring (Mid to Late April): For tender annuals and perennials, such as marigolds, zinnias, and herbs like basil and cilantro, start seeds indoors around this time to give them a head start before transplanting into the garden once the danger of frost has passed.
What are considerations when planting in zone 6?
Garden Zone 6 experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, making it a challenging yet rewarding zone for backyard gardeners. Spring can be temperamental and fickle, with highs and lows that fluctuate like crazy. Summers in Garden Zone 6 can be warm and humid, creating an ideal environment for lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
However, it's important to navigate the fine line between providing ample water and protecting your plants from scorching heat. Many gardeners find it necessary to add shade cloth to certain areas to prevent sun scorch and use trellises to maximize the summer breezes as the air flows through.
As autumn approaches, Garden Zone 6 typically experiences lingering summer heat. Where I live in central Kansas, it's not uncommon for us to see incredibly high temperatures clear through October. While it may not feel like winter is coming, gardeners must prepare for the first frosts that signal the end of the growing season.
Winter in Garden Zone 6 can be harsh, with freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall. While the earth rests beneath its wintry blanket, diligent gardeners plan and dream of the coming spring. I do most of my seed ordering and garden layout designs during the winter when I'm cooped up inside.
Garden Zone 6 also offers a variety of microclimates within its borders. Factors such as elevation, proximity to bodies of water, and local terrain contribute to the nuanced differences you'll encounter when tending to your garden.
These microclimates add an extra layer of complexity, requiring careful observation and adjustments to optimize planting times and cultivate thriving gardens. I extend my growing season by using a Yoderbilt greenhouse, pictured below. To read about more about my greenhouse, click here.
How do I know WHEN to plant my garden?
- Have you identified your garden zone by visiting the USDA map?
- Do you know your garden zone's typical last frost date?
- Have you made a list of what flowers, fruits and vegetables you would like to grow?
If you answered yes to these questions, let's get started creating your garden plan! I created a free garden guide resource that includes a plant hardiness calendar, garden grid and note section. If you would like to get yours, just fill out the form at the bottom of this post. I have found that taking good notes and pictures has helped to improve my gardening skill set. Let's dive deeper into this topic in the next section.
How to know when to plant a garden in zone 6
Knowing when to plant your garden depends on various factors, including your specific location, the climate of your region, and the types of plants you intend to grow. Here are a few key steps to help you determine the appropriate time to plant your garden:
- Find out which hardiness zone you reside in. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assigns hardiness zones based on average annual minimum temperatures. This information will give you a general understanding of the climate conditions in your area and guide your planting decisions.
- Frost dates are essential for planning your garden. Determine the average date of the last spring frost and the first fall frost in your region. These dates provide a general guideline for when it is safe to plant tender seedlings or direct sow seeds in your garden.
- Local agricultural extension offices are excellent resources for gardeners. They have valuable information about planting schedules specific to your area. They can provide advice on recommended planting times and any special considerations based on local conditions.
- Different plants have specific preferences for soil temperature, light exposure, and climate conditions. Consult the seed packets or plant catalogs for information on recommended planting times for each variety. This will help you align your planting schedule with the specific needs of your chosen plants.
- Microclimates are small-scale variations in temperature and growing conditions within your garden or immediate surroundings. Factors such as sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and proximity to structures or bodies of water can create microclimates. Pay attention to these variations and adjust your planting schedule accordingly.
- Several gardening apps and online tools provide personalized planting schedules based on your location and the specific plants you wish to grow. These resources can offer valuable insights and reminders for optimal planting times.
Methods for organizing seeds
Gardeners use various methods to keep their seeds organized and easily accessible. One common approach is to sort seeds alphabetically or categorize them by plant type, such as vegetables, flowers, or herbs. Some gardeners prefer to arrange their seeds based on the planting season—spring, summer, or fall. Others might utilize a system that groups seeds by their specific requirements, such as full sun, partial shade, or soil preferences.
Seed organization can also be achieved through the use of seed storage containers, envelopes, or binders, where seeds are labeled and neatly stored for future planting. I love to use a photo organizer, and you can see it in action in this instagram reel.
I organize my seeds by variety and plan my garden based on when to plant. Each seed packet will have instructions that tell about what conditions the plant needs to thrive: full sun, partial sun or shade; when to plant and any other detail that could be helpful. I have found that extending my garden season by starting seedlings indoors helps me to work within the limits my garden zone while maximizing production.
I also make graphics with pictures of the plants I am growing and make notes such as the amount of days until germination, how long until harvest, and any special requirements the plant has.
How long do seeds last in storage?
Seeds can last for several years if stored properly, which helps to offset some of the initial expense of gardening. I have found that most seeds will have good germination (grow into healthy plants) for about two years, then it slowly begins to taper off.
I also save seeds garden vegetables and add them to my collection in labeled coin envelopes. If you are incredibly thrifty, it is possible to save seeds from last year's crop for the following year!
The longevity of seeds in storage can vary depending on the specific type of seed, how it is stored, and the conditions in which it is kept. Here are some general guidelines for the storage life of seeds:
- Short-lived seeds: Some seeds, such as onions, parsley, and parsnips, have a shorter storage life and may remain viable for about one to two years. These seeds tend to have a lower natural longevity and may lose their viability more quickly.
- Medium-lived seeds: Many common vegetable and flower seeds fall into this category. When stored properly, they can remain viable for about two to five years. Examples include tomatoes, beans, carrots, and marigolds.
- Long-lived seeds: Certain seeds have a longer potential storage life, often ranging from five to ten years or even longer. These seeds typically have a higher natural longevity and are more likely to remain viable over an extended period. Examples include beets, squash, cucumbers, and some tree and shrub seeds.
It's important to note that seed viability gradually declines over time, even with proper storage. Factors such as temperature, humidity, light exposure, and the initial quality of the seeds can influence their longevity. To maximize the storage life of seeds, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as airtight containers in a refrigerator or freezer.
While some seeds may still germinate beyond their expected storage life, their germination rates may decrease, resulting in fewer viable seedlings. To ensure higher germination success, it's generally advisable to use fresher seeds or conduct a germination test before sowing older seeds.
How to store seeds in a photo organizer
I'm sharing an Instagram reel of my seed storage if you need some inspiration! This is a photography organizer that I repurposed. A similar one can be found at Michael's or on Amazon. I use larger plastic shoe organizers to store sunflower seeds and zinnia seeds. A little tip, make sure they are dry before putting the lid on! If there is moisture, the seeds will mold.
How to pick the best location for a garden
When planning a garden location, the most important factor is sun exposure. Most garden plants will require at least six hours of bright sunlight to produce vegetables or fruit.
When we were building our garden, we had three main obstacles: our dogs digging, deer and other wildlife eating plants and we are surrounded by agricultural fields (and unfortunately herbicide drift). In an effort to offset the damage from our dogs and the local wildlife, we had to but a fence around our garden.
We haven't found a good solution to keep our garden free from the damage of chemical drift, but we do try to run sprinklers if we know the farmer is spraying near by.
We tried to think of every problem that could possible arise and create a solution for it before we ever broke ground on our garden. Thoughtful planning will spare you hours of extra manual labor!
My top tips for choosing the best garden location
- Sunlight exposure: Most plants require ample sunlight to thrive. Observe the potential garden site throughout the day to determine the amount of sunlight it receives. Ideally, choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil quality: The soil in your garden should be fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to assess its pH level and nutrient content. Avoid areas with compacted or excessively sandy soil. If needed, amend the soil by adding compost, organic matter, or other soil amendments to improve its quality. If your soil isn't in good shape, consider using raised beds and amending each bed individually.
- Water accessibility: It should be easy to water your plants without the need for long hose extensions or excessive effort. Consider the availability of irrigation systems or the proximity to a water spigot.
- Wind exposure and protection: Assess the prevailing wind patterns in your area. Strong winds can damage or stress plants, especially delicate ones. If possible, select a location that offers some natural windbreaks, such as fences, walls, or existing vegetation, to provide protection for your garden.
- Space and size: Evaluate the available space for your garden. Consider the size of the plants you plan to grow and ensure that there is adequate room for them to spread and grow without overcrowding.
- Environmental considerations: Take note of any environmental factors that may impact your garden, such as nearby trees that could cast shade or compete for nutrients, potential sources of pollution, or the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Avoid locations with excessive runoff or where water tends to accumulate.
- Aesthetics and convenience: A well-placed garden can enhance the overall aesthetics of your property. Additionally, choose a location that is easily accessible and enjoyable for you to spend time in, making it more likely that you'll tend to your garden regularly.
Our garden layout
Our main garden consists of six garden beds that measure eight by four feet each. One of our favorite features is the stock tank swimming pool in the middle of our garden. Our chicken coop is positioned at the back of the garden and a small tunnel run gives the chickens access to the perimeter. They love to follow me around when I am working. I think it is so funny to watch them attack grasshoppers that try to sneak past!
Our garden is surrounded by a fence made from livestock panels and pressure treated pine. It was inexpensive and has been a lifesaver for keeping the deer out.
Here in Kansas, I've learned that spring always likes to throw a frosty curve ball right when gardeners are starting to plant. My rule of thumb is to keep everything under the grow lights or under a temporary greenhouse tunnel until May 1st. Just a word of caution, last year we had a bad freeze on May 8th... so you've been warned! It can be difficult to determine when to plant seeds in garden zone 6, but follow your instincts as well as the forecast and you'll be fine.
How I prepare our garden for a spring frost
It isn't pretty yet, but let me take you on a little garden tour and show you what our plans were for the 2021 season!
I hope this has been helpful! Here are links to a few of my other gardening posts that show more details of our setup.
Take a quick tour of OUR GARDEN and see it in a little more detail. Once you have a thriving garden, I'll show you HOW TO SAVE SUNFLOWER SEEDS so that you can plant your sunnies for free next year! I also have guides for Growing Potatoes, Planting, Growing & Harvesting Tomatoes, and HOW TO GROW A PUMPKIN PATCH.
Even if you aren't doing much cooking, once you have a garden you'll need some inspiration for how to eat your vegetables! I recommend starting with How to Harvest & Preserve Garlic Scapes, and then check out some of my salad recipes like Farro with Lemon and Cucumber or an Summer Salads from the Garden.
Bonnie
Thanks for this resource 😁
Meg
I'm so glad you liked it! It was great to meet you yesterday and see a picture of your gorgeous garden!
Faith
I'm excited to have found you guys! Looking forward to learning and growing. 😀
Meg
It's great to meet you! Welcome!! I hope this was helpful!