Skip to main content

Des Moines, IA planting calendar

When to plant vegetables in Des Moines, IA (USDA hardiness zone 5b). Typical last spring frost around Apr 18, 2026 11 days year to year), first fall frost around Oct 20, 202611 days).

Playing it safe? Spring frost holds off until about May 2, 2026 in roughly 9 years out of 10 — a good target for tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Want exact dates for your address, a drag-and-drop bed layout, and reminders when it’s time to sow? Enter your ZIP:

Or get a printable Des Moines calendar and sowing reminders by email:

Still time to plant

As of today, these crops can still reach harvest before Des Moines, IA’s first frost (~Oct 20, 2026) — fastest first.

Month by month in Des Moines, IA

January

February

March

April

May

August

Understand your frost dates

Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for a representative location in Des Moines, IA (covering 15 ZIPs); your exact dates depend on your address. Schedules are guidance, not guarantees.