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Joplin, MO Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Joplin usually comes around Apr 11 and the first fall frost around Oct 29, a growing season of about 201 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14 and plant them outside Apr 25 – May 9.

Last spring frostApr 11
First fall frostOct 29
Growing season201 days

When to plant vegetables in Joplin

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 9—
PeppersFeb 21 – Mar 7May 2 – May 16—
EggplantFeb 21 – Mar 7May 2 – May 16—
Cucumbers—Apr 25 – May 9—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 25 – May 9—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 2 – May 16—
Green beans—Apr 25 – May 9Aug 6 – Aug 20
Sweet corn—Apr 25 – May 9—
BasilMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 25 – May 9—
LettuceFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 14 – Apr 25Sep 3 – Sep 17
Spinach—Feb 28 – Mar 21Sep 3 – Sep 17
Peas—Feb 28 – Mar 21Aug 20 – Sep 3
Carrots—Mar 14 – Apr 18Aug 6 – Aug 20
Radishes—Mar 7 – Apr 25Sep 17 – Oct 1
BroccoliJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28Aug 6 – Aug 20
KaleFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 7 – Mar 21Aug 20 – Sep 3
Onions—Mar 14 – Mar 28—
Potatoes—Mar 21 – Apr 18—
Garlic——Oct 15 – Nov 19

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

Month-by-month planting in Joplin

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

The median last spring frost is Apr 11 and the median first fall frost is Oct 29, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Joplin?

Start seeds indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14 and set plants outside Apr 25 – May 9, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Joplin?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 29): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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