LawnWeather

Springfield, MO Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Springfield usually comes around Apr 18 and the first fall frost around Oct 25, a growing season of about 190 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21 and plant them outside May 2 – May 16.

Last spring frostApr 18
First fall frostOct 25
Growing season190 days

When to plant vegetables in Springfield

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 7 – Mar 21May 2 – May 16—
PeppersFeb 28 – Mar 14May 9 – May 23—
EggplantFeb 28 – Mar 14May 9 – May 23—
Cucumbers—May 2 – May 16—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 2 – May 16—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 9 – May 23—
Green beans—May 2 – May 16Aug 2 – Aug 16
Sweet corn—May 2 – May 16—
BasilMar 21 – Apr 4May 2 – May 16—
LettuceFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 21 – May 2Aug 30 – Sep 13
Spinach—Mar 7 – Mar 28Aug 30 – Sep 13
Peas—Mar 7 – Mar 28Aug 16 – Aug 30
Carrots—Mar 21 – Apr 25Aug 2 – Aug 16
Radishes—Mar 14 – May 2Sep 13 – Sep 27
BroccoliFeb 7 – Feb 21Mar 21 – Apr 4Aug 2 – Aug 16
KaleFeb 21 – Mar 7Mar 14 – Mar 28Aug 16 – Aug 30
Onions—Mar 21 – Apr 4—
Potatoes—Mar 28 – Apr 25—
Garlic——Oct 11 – Nov 15

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

Month-by-month planting in Springfield

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

The median last spring frost is Apr 18 and the median first fall frost is Oct 25, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Springfield?

Start seeds indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21 and set plants outside May 2 – May 16, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Springfield?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 25): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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