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Des Moines, IA Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Des Moines usually comes around Apr 21 and the first fall frost around Oct 29, a growing season of about 191 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 10 – Mar 24 and plant them outside May 5 – May 19.

Last spring frostApr 21
First fall frostOct 29
Growing season191 days

When to plant vegetables in Des Moines

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 10 – Mar 24May 5 – May 19—
PeppersMar 3 – Mar 17May 12 – May 26—
EggplantMar 3 – Mar 17May 12 – May 26—
Cucumbers—May 5 – May 19—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 5 – May 19—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 12 – May 26—
Green beans—May 5 – May 19Aug 6 – Aug 20
Sweet corn—May 5 – May 19—
BasilMar 24 – Apr 7May 5 – May 19—
LettuceFeb 24 – Mar 10Mar 24 – May 5Sep 3 – Sep 17
Spinach—Mar 10 – Mar 31Sep 3 – Sep 17
Peas—Mar 10 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3
Carrots—Mar 24 – Apr 28Aug 6 – Aug 20
Radishes—Mar 17 – May 5Sep 17 – Oct 1
BroccoliFeb 10 – Feb 24Mar 24 – Apr 7Aug 6 – Aug 20
KaleFeb 24 – Mar 10Mar 17 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3
Onions—Mar 24 – Apr 7—
Potatoes—Mar 31 – Apr 28—
Garlic——Oct 15 – Nov 19

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

Month-by-month planting in Des Moines

  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, 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, 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 Des Moines?

The median last spring frost is Apr 21 and the median first fall frost is Oct 29, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Des Moines?

Start seeds indoors Mar 10 – Mar 24 and set plants outside May 5 – May 19, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Des Moines?

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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