USDA Hardiness Zone 6A includes parts of Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and the Missouri–Kansas border, with average annual minimum temperatures between -10°F and -5°F. The growing season averages 177 frost-free days, from a last spring frost around Apr 21 to a first fall frost near Oct 15. Zone 6A is a reliable region for most garden vegetables. Warm-season crops transplanted in late April or early May have ample time to mature, and a moderate fall allows extended harvest of cool-season crops like kale, carrots, and spinach. For a personalized forecast based on your specific zip code, use our free planting calendar. Browse individual plant guides for detailed growing instructions, or explore how USDA zones work to better understand your growing conditions.