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Columbia, MO Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Columbia usually comes around Apr 10 and the first fall frost around Oct 30, a growing season of about 203 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13 and plant them outside Apr 24 – May 8.

Last spring frostApr 10
First fall frostOct 30
Growing season203 days

When to plant vegetables in Columbia

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 8—
PeppersFeb 20 – Mar 6May 1 – May 15—
EggplantFeb 20 – Mar 6May 1 – May 15—
Cucumbers—Apr 24 – May 8—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 24 – May 8—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 1 – May 15—
Green beans—Apr 24 – May 8Aug 7 – Aug 21
Sweet corn—Apr 24 – May 8—
BasilMar 13 – Mar 27Apr 24 – May 8—
LettuceFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 13 – Apr 24Sep 4 – Sep 18
Spinach—Feb 27 – Mar 20Sep 4 – Sep 18
Peas—Feb 27 – Mar 20Aug 21 – Sep 4
Carrots—Mar 13 – Apr 17Aug 7 – Aug 21
Radishes—Mar 6 – Apr 24Sep 18 – Oct 2
BroccoliJan 30 – Feb 13Mar 13 – Mar 27Aug 7 – Aug 21
KaleFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 6 – Mar 20Aug 21 – Sep 4
Onions—Mar 13 – Mar 27—
Potatoes—Mar 20 – Apr 17—
Garlic——Oct 16 – Nov 20

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

Month-by-month planting in Columbia

  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 Columbia?

The median last spring frost is Apr 10 and the median first fall frost is Oct 30, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Columbia?

Start seeds indoors Feb 27 – Mar 13 and set plants outside Apr 24 – May 8, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Columbia?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Oct 30): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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