Vermont is known for its chilly weather and long winters, but lately, things seem to be heating up. This shift in climate has inevitably affected what you can grow and where. The growing zones of Vermont spread from 4a to 6a.
You’ll find a bit of zone 6a in places near Windsor and Windham counties. Zone 5a is what you get in most of central Vermont, while zone 5b is common in the south and along the Connecticut River. Up in northeast parts, like Essex County, it’s colder – those areas are mostly in zone 4a and 4b.
What planting zones are in Vermont
Here is the Vermont hardiness zone map:
The Northeast Kingdom is the coldest part of the state. This part of Vermont was once in zone 3b (looking at -35 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit), but not anymore. The recent warming trend has pushed almost all of this area into a slightly warmer zone 4b.
You’ll only find those colder pockets of zone 4a tucked away in out-of-the-way spots around northern Essex County and eastern Orleans County. Most parts of Vermont, including Burlington, fall under zones 5a and 5b, where the winter low-temperature averages between -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Down in the southern end, around Windsor and Windham counties, we witness small pockets that have bumped up into zone 6a. Temperatures as low as -10°F usually happen here, meaning growers can try their luck with some warmer climate plants.
Vermont growing zones by city
Each city and town in Vermont can have its very own microclimate, which means the weather and growing conditions can be different just a few miles down the road. So, be sure to check the specific details of your area’s zone before you get started on your garden.
Pro tip: Visit the USDA’s online map. Just enter your ZIP Code, and it’ll tell you which growing zone you’re in.
Here’s a breakdown of the growing zones across the main Vermont regions:
Champlain Valley (Northwestern Vermont)
- Addison County (Zones 4b, 5a, and 5b)
- Middlebury – Zones 4b and 5a
- Vergennes – Zones 5a and 5b
- Chittenden County (Zones 4b, 5a, and 5b)
- Burlington – Mostly zone 5a, with 5b along Lake Champlain
- Essex Junction – Zone 5a
- Franklin County (Zones 4b, 5a, and 5b)
- St. Albans – Zone 5a
- Grand Isle County (Zones 5a and 5b)
- North Hero – Zone 5a
Northeast Kingdom (Northeastern Vermont)
- Orleans County (Zones 4a, 4b, and 5a)
- Newport: Zones 4a and 4b
- Essex County (Zones 4a and 4b)
- Island Pond – Zones 4a and 4b
- Caledonia County (Zones 4a, 4b, and 5a)
- St. Johnsbury – Zone 4b
Central Vermont
- Washington County (Zones 4b and 5a)
- Montpelier – Zones 4b and 5a
- Lamoille County (Zones 4b and 5a)
- Stowe – Zones 4b and 5a
Southern Vermont
- Rutland County (Zones 4b, 5a, and 5b)
- Bennington County (Zones 5a and 5b)
- Bennington – Zones 5a and 5b
- Manchester – Zones 5a and 5b
- Windham County (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)
- Wilmington – Zones 5a and 5b
- Brattleboro – Zones 5b and 6a
- Windsor County (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)
- Springfield: 5a and 5b
Upper Connecticut River Valley
- Orange County (Zones 4a and 5b)
- Randolph – Zone 5a
Understanding planting zones in Vermont
Growing zones can tell us a lot about our gardens – from suitable grass types for our lawns to flowers that can add color throughout the year. But they are pretty useless if you don’t know how to use them effectively.
Each hardiness zone represents an average extreme minimum temperature during winter, with each zone having a difference of 10°F. The higher the zone number, the warmer the climate.
The coldest zone in the Green Mountain State is 4a, while the warmest is 6a.
*Note: Besides identifying the suitable plants for each zone, you also can use the zone information to decide when to plant them.
Still, trying to figure out how to tailor your yard using the growing zones? Check our article, “How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard”
Here’s a brief look at what these numbers mean for Vermont residents:
Zone 4a (-30 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit)
Some of Vermont’s northernmost spots fall into this hardiest zone, like a small part of Essex County. With winter lows down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, only the hardiest of plants will thrive here.
Key characteristics:
- Short growing season, typically from late May to late September
- Very cold winters with heavy snowfall
Zone 4b (-25 F to -20 degrees Fahrenheit)
This zone is more spread, covering parts of Essex, Orleans counties, and even having a small presence toward the central regions. Though warmer than zone 4a by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit, winters can still be quite harsh.
Key characteristics:
- Short growing season, typically from late May to late September
- Heavy winter snowfall
Zone 5a (-20 F to -15 degrees Fahrenheit)
Larger parts of Vermont fall into this zone, including some areas near Burlington and further south. Here, we see a bit more flexibility with plant choice, as temperatures go no lower than -20 degrees Fahrenheit on colder winter nights.
Key Characteristics:
- Moderately short growing season (120 to 50 days)
- Heavy snowfall in winters
Zone 5b (-15 F to -10 degrees Fahrenheit)
This zone covers a significant portion of Vermont, particularly the middle part of the state and some areas along Lake Champlain. The region includes cities like Vergennes and extends into parts of Addison and Chittenden counties.
Key Characteristics:
- Moderate growing season (150 to 180 days)
- Significant winter snowfall
Zone 6a (-10 F to -5 degrees Fahrenheit)
This warmest zone in Vermont isn’t widespread but can be found in sheltered, low-lying areas, particularly around Windsor and Windham counties.
Key characteristics:
- Long growing season (around 180 to 200 days)
- Milder winters with less snowfall
Call a lawn care pro for help
No matter where you live or plan to settle in Vermont, understanding your planting zones can save you a ton of hassle with your yard. Keep in mind every city and town has its own unique weather patterns, so double-check your zone before you start planting.
Feeling unsure about what to grow or when to plant? Talking to an expert might be just what you need. Lawn Love can connect you with top-notch local gardeners who know all about what works best in Vermont’s different growing areas.
Main Image Credit: Doug Kerr | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
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