Last spring frostMay 7
Direct sowApr 23
First harvestDec 19
Last harvestOct 13
First fall frostOct 13
Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 frost-free days. Garlic tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall.
Common questions
How long does garlic take to grow in zone 4a?
Garlic matures in about 240–280 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 23 and first picking around Dec 19.
Will garlic survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — garlic tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full garlic growing guide →