Vermont Planting Zones

Vermont’s humid continental climate brings wet springs, mild-early to hot-late summers, and winters that are cold throughout the state. It is especially cold at higher elevations. Vermont is one of the coldest states in the country, often being even too cold to snow. Snowfall averages depend on location and elevation and can range anywhere from 60 to 100 inches. Vermont’s annual mean temperature is between 43 and 46 degrees, depending on the region. Summers are mild and pleasant. July sees an average of mid to high 60s.

Gilmour’s Interactive Planting Zone Map makes it easy to find the hardiness zone in your state. Vermont growing zones stretch from 3b to 5b. Planting zones, or growing zones, were created so gardeners know which plants, vegetables or flowers will do best in a given region. Additionally, zones let you know the plants that can or cannot survive winter conditions. Zones not only tell us what to plant, but also when to plant. Vermont planting zones are based on the region’s first and last frost dates. You should only attempt to grow plants rated for the Vermont planting zone you are in or lower. This means that if you are planting in zone 3b, it is OK to use plants rated for zones 1 through 3. Do not plant anything rated for higher zones, since those plants probably will have a hard time surviving winter. 

Many plants, flowers and vegetables grow quite well in Vermont. Peppers, basil, zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, peas, sweet corn and carrots will all grow nicely in a Vermont garden. Bleeding heart, foam flower, marsh marigold, wild ginger, woodland phlox, bachelor’s buttons, alliums, butterfly weed and summersweet are great options for Vermont planting.