When to Plant Pumpkins in Vermont
From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.
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 |
Pumpkins 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 Pumpkins in Vermont
Pumpkins in Vermont's Climate
Pumpkin growing is a calendar countdown — count backward from your target harvest date (usually mid-October for Halloween) using your variety's days-to-maturity. In short-season zones, choose 90-day varieties and start seeds indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Black plastic mulch warms soil for earlier transplanting. Squash vine borer is less common in cold zones — a genuine advantage.
Soil Considerations for Vermont
Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting pumpkins outside.
Vermont Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. Pumpkins cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
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 pumpkins — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Count backwards from when you want ripe pumpkins (usually October). They need 90-120 days, so mid-June to early July is often ideal.
Companion Planting
Plant pumpkins alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep pumpkins away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026