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Iowa City, IA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Iowa City usually comes around Apr 24 and the first fall frost around Oct 19, a growing season of about 178 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 13 – Mar 27 and plant them outside May 8 – May 22.

Last spring frostApr 24
First fall frostOct 19
Growing season178 days

When to plant vegetables in Iowa City

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 13 – Mar 27May 8 – May 22—
PeppersMar 6 – Mar 20May 15 – May 29—
EggplantMar 6 – Mar 20May 15 – May 29—
Cucumbers—May 8 – May 22—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 8 – May 22—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 15 – May 29—
Green beans—May 8 – May 22Jul 27 – Aug 10
Sweet corn—May 8 – May 22—
BasilMar 27 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22—
LettuceFeb 27 – Mar 13Mar 27 – May 8Aug 24 – Sep 7
Spinach—Mar 13 – Apr 3Aug 24 – Sep 7
Peas—Mar 13 – Apr 3Aug 10 – Aug 24
Carrots—Mar 27 – May 1Jul 27 – Aug 10
Radishes—Mar 20 – May 8Sep 7 – Sep 21
BroccoliFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 27 – Apr 10Jul 27 – Aug 10
KaleFeb 27 – Mar 13Mar 20 – Apr 3Aug 10 – Aug 24
Onions—Mar 27 – Apr 10—
Potatoes—Apr 3 – May 1—
Garlic——Oct 5 – Nov 9

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Iowa City. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Iowa City

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Iowa City?

The median last spring frost is Apr 24 and the median first fall frost is Oct 19, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Iowa City?

Start seeds indoors Mar 13 – Mar 27 and set plants outside May 8 – May 22, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Iowa City?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 19): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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