What Grows in Montpelier, VT?
Montpelier the state capital sits in a mountain river valley with a short but productive growing season.
Zone
Last frost
First frost
Frost-free days
Montpelier is in USDA Zone 4b with about 125 frost-free days, and you can grow potatoes, kale, root vegetables, broccoli, and more here.
Planting tips for Montpelier
Short cool season. Cold-hardy varieties essential. Use cold frames to extend season.
What to plant, and when
Timing by your frost dates — last frost May 15, first frost September 18.
Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper, Chili Pepper, Cucumber, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Basil
Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Carrot, Radish, Beets, Onion
Green Beans, Potato, Corn, Microgreens, Rhubarb, Mint
Garlic
What grows well in Montpelier
Tomato
Grows well
Cherry Tomato
Grows well
Bell Pepper
Grows well
Chili Pepper
Grows well
Cucumber
Grows well
Zucchini
Grows well
Green Beans
Grows well
Lettuce
Grows well
Spinach
Grows well
Kale
Grows well
Broccoli
Grows well
Carrot
Grows well
Radish
Grows well
Beets
Grows well
Onion
Grows well
Garlic
Grows well
Potato
Grows well
Corn
Grows well
Peas
Grows well
Cabbage
Grows well
Brussels Sprouts
Grows well
Swiss Chard
Grows well
Arugula
Grows well
Microgreens
Grows well
Pumpkin
Grows well
Leek
Grows well
Asparagus
Grows well
Rhubarb
Grows well
Basil
Grows well
Mint
Grows wellBorderline — needs extra care
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Montpelier, VT in?
Montpelier, VT is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. This drives everything about what you can reliably grow — it maps directly to how cold your winters get.
When is the last frost in Montpelier?
The average last spring frost in Montpelier is around May 15, and the first fall frost is typically September 18. Plan to move tender plants outside after May 15 and have them harvested (or protected) before September 18.
What grows well in Montpelier?
Plenty — Montpelier's USDA Zone 4b climate supports 30+ crops. Some of the easiest and most reliable here are Cherry Tomato, Chili Pepper, Cucumber.
How long is Montpelier's growing season?
Montpelier typically has around 125 frost-free days per year (roughly May 15 to September 18). That's enough for most annual vegetables if you start warm-season crops indoors and stick to faster-maturing varieties for anything tender.
What should I plant first in Montpelier?
Go with fast-maturing crops to get a quick win while the season is short: Microgreens, Arugula, Radish are among the quickest from seed to harvest in Montpelier.
Can I grow vegetables in containers in Montpelier?
Yes — Montpelier's climate is container-friendly for the right crops. Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper all do well in pots, which also lets you start them a little earlier and move them in on cold nights.
When should I start seeds indoors in Montpelier?
For warm-season crops like Tomato, Cherry Tomato, Bell Pepper, start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost (around May 15), then transplant after the danger of frost has passed.
What's tricky to grow in Montpelier?
A few crops need extra care in Montpelier's climate — Collard Greens, Blackberry, Pawpaw are borderline here and may need season extension (row covers, cold frames, or a head start indoors).