Zone 3b Planting Schedule
Action Plan: October in Zone 3b
Expert Note
In October, cool nights slow growth and increase risk of fungal leaf spots. Harvest promptly, remove diseased foliage, and keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; mulch helps stabilize temperature. Watch for aphids and late-season caterpillars on tender growth.
The Harvest
Focus on finishing tomatoes like Beefsteak, Better Boy, and Brandywine as they ripen, and keep picking peppers such as Tabasco and Orange Habanero before cold damages fruit. Harvest remaining eggplant-style squash only if listed; otherwise, prioritize these warm-season crops and sort for storage.
Planting Schedule
Add crops from the list below to build your planting schedule.| Crop | Indoor Start | Transplant / Sow | Harvest Window | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artichoke | Feb 24th | May 5th | Oct 2nd – Sep 21st | |
| Giant Red Celery | Feb 24th | Jun 30th | Sep 28th – Sep 21st | |
| Green Sleeves | Feb 24th | Jun 30th | Sep 28th – Sep 21st | |
| Gros Vert de Laon | Feb 24th | May 12th | Aug 10th – Sep 21st | |
| Kojak | Feb 24th | May 5th | Sep 2nd – Sep 21st | |
| Verina | Feb 24th | Apr 7th | Jul 16th – Sep 21st | |
| African Sunset | Mar 10th | May 19th | Aug 17th – Sep 21st | |
| Alabaster | Mar 10th | May 12th | Sep 9th – Sep 21st | |
| Albin | Mar 10th | May 12th | Sep 9th – Sep 21st | |
| Amsterdam | Mar 10th | May 12th | Aug 5th – Sep 21st | |
| Amsterdam Cutting | Mar 10th | May 19th | Jul 28th – Sep 21st | |
| Amsterdam Seasoning | Mar 10th | May 12th | Jul 21st – Sep 21st | |
| Apollo | Mar 10th | May 12th | Sep 9th – Sep 21st | |
| Artichaut de Nice | Mar 10th | May 12th | Sep 9th – Sep 21st | |
| Artichoke de Marseille | Mar 10th | Jun 30th | Sep 28th – Sep 21st | |
| Atlas Angel | Mar 10th | May 12th | Jul 21st – Sep 21st | |
| Baby Artichoke | Mar 10th | May 12th | Aug 5th – Sep 21st | |
| Balder | Mar 10th | May 19th | Sep 1st – Sep 21st | |
| Bandit | Mar 10th | May 12th | Sep 9th – Sep 21st | |
| Beijing White | Mar 10th | May 12th | Jul 31st – Sep 21st | |
| Bing Select | Mar 10th | May 5th | Jul 14th – Sep 21st | |
| Blue Solaise | Mar 10th | May 12th | Aug 30th – Sep 21st | |
| Bordeaux | Mar 10th | May 19th | Aug 2nd – Sep 21st | |
| Bullseye Salmon | Mar 10th | May 12th | Jul 21st – Sep 21st | |
| Cabernet | Mar 10th | May 12th | Aug 30th – Sep 21st | |
| Carmen F1 | Mar 10th | May 12th | Aug 25th – Sep 21st | |
| Cascade Blue | Mar 10th | May 19th | Jul 28th – Sep 21st | |
| Catanese | Mar 10th | Jul 14th | Nov 11th – Sep 21st | |
| Celebration | Mar 10th | May 5th | Jul 24th – Sep 21st | |
| Celeriac | Mar 10th | May 5th | Aug 3rd – Sep 21st |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the frost dates for Zone Zone 3b?
In Zone Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is May 19th and the average first fall frost is Sep 21st.
When is the best time to start seeds indoors in Zone Zone 3b?
The best time to start most seeds indoors is 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date of May 19th.
How long is the growing season in Zone Zone 3b?
Zone Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 125 days.