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Iowa Planting Calendar

Iowa spans USDA zones 5a, 5b. Last spring frost runs from April 18 to May 1 depending on where you are, which is weeks of difference — so pick the location nearest you rather than planting to a statewide date.

Frost dates by location

LocationZoneLast spring frostFirst fall frostFrost-free days
Des Moines 5b Apr 18 Oct 20 185
Cedar Rapids 5a May 1 Oct 8 160
Davenport 5b Apr 23 Oct 16 176

Zones in Iowa

Zone 5a Zone 5b
Bottom line: a statewide planting date is a compromise nobody's garden actually lives at. Iowa's last-frost spread is 13 days wide. Use the location nearest you.

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