When to Plant Kale in Vermont
The toughest green in the garden. Kale laughs at frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap.
The Short Answer
Vermont Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Vermont you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vermont | 3b, 4a | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Central Vermont | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 10 - May 25 | Sep 15 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Vermont | 4b, 5a, 5b | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
Kale Planting Schedule for Vermont
Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5
Growing Kale in Vermont
Kale in Vermont's Climate
Kale is your climate's superstar. It thrives in cool weather, survives hard frosts, and actually improves in flavor after cold exposure. In northern zones, kale produces from April through December — one of the longest harvests of any crop. Snow-covered kale harvested in December is genuinely sweeter than summer kale. If you grow nothing else in a cold climate, grow kale.
Soil Considerations for Vermont
Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular.
Vermont Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. Kale can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Vermont's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. This difference matters for kale — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.
Growing Tips
Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing. Can survive temperatures down to 10°F with mulch protection.
Companion Planting
Plant kale alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep kale away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026