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Cedar Rapids, IA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Cedar Rapids usually comes around Apr 26 and the first fall frost around Oct 19, a growing season of about 176 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 15 – Mar 29 and plant them outside May 10 – May 24.

Last spring frostApr 26
First fall frostOct 19
Growing season176 days

When to plant vegetables in Cedar Rapids

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 15 – Mar 29May 10 – May 24—
PeppersMar 8 – Mar 22May 17 – May 31—
EggplantMar 8 – Mar 22May 17 – May 31—
Cucumbers—May 10 – May 24—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 10 – May 24—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 17 – May 31—
Green beans—May 10 – May 24Jul 27 – Aug 10
Sweet corn—May 10 – May 24—
BasilMar 29 – Apr 12May 10 – May 24—
LettuceMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 29 – May 10Aug 24 – Sep 7
Spinach—Mar 15 – Apr 5Aug 24 – Sep 7
Peas—Mar 15 – Apr 5Aug 10 – Aug 24
Carrots—Mar 29 – May 3Jul 27 – Aug 10
Radishes—Mar 22 – May 10Sep 7 – Sep 21
BroccoliFeb 15 – Mar 1Mar 29 – Apr 12Jul 27 – Aug 10
KaleMar 1 – Mar 15Mar 22 – Apr 5Aug 10 – Aug 24
Onions—Mar 29 – Apr 12—
Potatoes—Apr 5 – May 3—
Garlic——Oct 5 – Nov 9

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

Month-by-month planting in Cedar Rapids

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, Broccoli, 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 Cedar Rapids?

The median last spring frost is Apr 26 and the median first fall frost is Oct 19, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Cedar Rapids?

Start seeds indoors Mar 15 – Mar 29 and set plants outside May 10 – May 24, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Cedar Rapids?

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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