When is the last frost in USDA Zone 5A?

The average last spring frost in Zone 5A is April 30, with a range from Apr 10 to May 15 depending on the specific year. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

When is the first fall frost in Zone 5A?

The average first fall frost in Zone 5A is October 12, with a range from Sep 28 to Oct 25.

How long is the growing season in Zone 5A?

The average frost-free growing season in Zone 5A is 165 days, running from approximately April 30 to October 12.

When should I start seeds indoors in Zone 5A?

In Zone 5A, start tomatoes and peppers indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost date of April 30. That means starting seeds in mid-winter to early spring depending on your specific transplant targets.

USDA Zone 5A

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — April 30 to October 12

Zone 5a endures some of the coldest winters in the continental US, with minimum temperatures dropping to -20°F. Gardeners work within a compact growing window running roughly from mid-May through early October. The short season rewards careful timing — starting warm-season transplants indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost is essential.

Zone 5A at a glance: Last frost averages April 30 (range Apr 10–May 15). First fall frost averages October 12. Growing season is 165 days. Start warm-season crops indoors 6–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after April 30.

Last Spring Frost

April 30

Range: Apr 10 – May 15

First Fall Frost

October 12

Range: Sep 28 – Oct 25

Growing Season

165 days

Avg. frost-free window

Winter Low

-20° to -15°F

Average minimum temp

Reference City

Des Moines, IA

Climate data source

Annual Rainfall

36"

Regular pattern

Zone 5A Planting Calendar — All Crops

Dates based on April 30 average last frost. Start indoors dates assume seed starting under grow lights or in a warm window. All dates are averages — adjust based on your specific microclimate and the current year's weather.

Plant	Type	Start Indoors	Transplant / Direct Sow	Harvest Window
Acorn Squash	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 19 – Aug 8
Astro Arugula	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 21 – Jun 9
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 9 – Jul 29
Bee Balm	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	—
Black Beauty Eggplant	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 14 – Jul 29
Black-Eyed Pea	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 4 – Jul 9
Black-Eyed Susan	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	—
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 21
Blue Lake Bush Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 27
Bok Choy	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 29
Borage	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jul 14
Brilliant Celeriac	celeriac	Mar 19	Apr 30 Transplant	Aug 18 – Aug 28
Buckwheat	cover crop	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 30 – Jun 14
Butterhead Lettuce	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jul 4
Calendula	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 29
Calypso Cilantro	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 24
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan)	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 30 – Jun 19
Chives	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 14
Clemson Spineless Okra	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jul 3
Common Sage	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 14 – Jul 29
Contender Bush Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 24
Cosmos	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 9 – Jul 29
Crimson Clover	cover crop	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 29
Crimson Sweet Watermelon	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 19 – Jul 29
Curly Kale	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jul 4
Curly Parsley	herb	Mar 26	Apr 30 Transplant	Jul 9 – Jul 19
Daikon Radishes	daikon radish	Apr 9	Apr 16 Transplant	May 31 – Jun 10
Delicata Squash	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 19 – Aug 8
Dill	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 9 – Jun 24
Dragon Tongue Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jun 29
Echinacea	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	—
Edamame	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 14 – Aug 3
Endive / Escarole	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jul 4
English Lavender	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Aug 28
English Lavender	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	—
Fall Rutabagas	rutabaga	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 24 – Aug 8
Fava Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 14 – Aug 8
Flat-Leaf Parsley	herb	Mar 26	Apr 30 Transplant	Jul 9 – Jul 29
French Marigold	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 29
French Tarragon	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 19
Garlic Chives	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 14
Georgia Southern Collard Greens	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 19
German Chamomile	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 4
Green Onion	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 29
Herb Fennel	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 9
Horseradish	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Sep 17 – Oct 7
Imperial Star Artichoke	artichoke	Mar 26	Apr 30 Transplant	Jul 29 – Aug 8
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Aug 18
Japanese Eggplant	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jul 4
Jersey Knight Asparagus	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Apr 29
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 27 – Jul 9
Lacinato Kale	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 4
Leaf Lettuce Mix	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 24
Leek	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Aug 8 – Sep 7
Lemon Balm	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 29
Lemon Cucumber	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 9
Lemongrass	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 14 – Aug 8
Lima Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 19
Mammoth Sunflower	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 4 – Jul 19
Mesclun Mix	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 21 – May 30
Mizuna	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 9 – Jun 19
Mustard Greens	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 4 – Jun 19
Mâche (Corn Salad)	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 23
Napa Cabbage	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 9 – Jul 29
Nasturtium	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jul 4
National Pickling Cucumber	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 27
Pattypan Squash	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 16 – Jun 24
Peppermint	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 30 – Jun 14
Popcorn	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 24 – Aug 28
Provider Bush Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 24
Radicchio	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 24
Red Leaf Lettuce	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 24
Red Russian Kale	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 29
Rhubarb	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Apr 30 – Apr 29
Romaine Lettuce	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 4 – Jul 14
Scarlet Runner Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 9
Shallot	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Aug 28
Shelling Pea	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jul 9
Silver Queen Sweet Corn	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Jul 31
Snow Pea	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 21 – Jul 9
Spaghetti Squash	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 27 – Aug 8
Spearmint	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	May 30 – Jun 14
Stevia	herb	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Aug 28
Sugar Pie Pumpkin	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jul 29 – Aug 18
Sugar Snap Pea	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 24 – Jul 9
Sweet Alyssum	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 9 – Jun 24
Swiss Chard	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 29
Tall Utah 52-70 Celery	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Aug 8 – Sep 7
Tatsoi	tatsoi	Mar 19	Apr 2 Transplant	Apr 27 – May 17
Texas 1015Y SuperSweet Onion	root	Feb 26	Apr 2 Transplant	Jul 16 – Jul 26
Tomatillo	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 24
Winner Kohlrabi	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 14 – Jun 19
Yard Long Bean	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 29
Yarrow	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	—
Yellow Crookneck Squash	vegetable	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 19 – Jun 29
Zinnia	flower	—	Apr 30 Plant Out	Jun 29 – Jul 29
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry	strawberry	Mar 26	May 7 Transplant	Aug 15 – Sep 4
Amish Paste Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 27 – Aug 7
Anaheim Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 30 – Aug 7
Armenian Cucumber	cucumber	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jul 6 – Jul 16
Baby Cakes Blackberry	blackberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 7 – Jul 6
Banana Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 20 – Jul 30
Bay Laurel	bay laurel	—	May 7 Plant Out	Jul 6 – May 7
Beauregard Sweet Potato	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Aug 5 – Aug 20
Beefsteak Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Aug 2 – Aug 7
Better Boy Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Jul 28
Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Aug 12 – Sep 11
Big Jim Hatch Chile	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Jul 28
Black Beauty Zucchini	vegetable	Apr 13	May 11 Transplant	Jun 25 – Jul 5
Black Cherry Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 17 – Jul 28
Black Krim Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 2
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens	sunflower microgreens	May 7	May 14 Transplant	May 21 – May 26
Brandywine Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Aug 2 – Aug 12
Broccolini	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 3 – Jul 23
Brussels Sprouts	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Aug 7 – Sep 1
Butternut Squash	vegetable	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Aug 22 – Sep 11
California Wonder Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Aug 1 – Aug 4
Cantaloupe	vegetable	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Aug 2 – Aug 12
Caribbean Red Scotch Bonnet Pepper	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Aug 17 – Sep 11
Cayenne Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Aug 7 – Aug 17
Celebrity Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Jul 25
Celeste Fig	fig	—	May 14 Plant Out	May 14 – May 13
Cherokee Purple Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 31 – Aug 7
Cherry Belle Radish	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	May 28 – Jun 6
Chicago Hardy Fig	fig	—	May 14 Plant Out	May 14 – May 13
Chioggia Beet	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 1 – Jul 11
Corno di Toro Pepper	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 2
Cosmic Purple Carrot	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 4 – Jul 21
Cubanelle Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 22 – Jul 30
Culinary Turmeric	turmeric	Apr 23	May 21 Transplant	Jan 16 – Mar 17
Cupid Grape Tomato	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 23
Danvers Carrot	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 16 – Jul 26
Detroit Dark Red Beet	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 1 – Jul 6
Early Girl Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 5 – Jul 15
Eight Ball Zucchini	zucchini	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jun 21 – Jul 1
English Thyme	herb	—	May 7 Plant Out	Jul 16 – Aug 5
Epazote	epazote	Apr 16	May 7 Transplant	Jul 1 – Jul 11
French Breakfast Radish	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	May 28 – Jun 4
Fresno Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 2
Genovese Basil	herb	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Jul 23
Ginger	ginger	Apr 23	May 21 Transplant	Jan 16 – Mar 17
Gold Rush Zucchini	zucchini	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jun 21 – Jun 26
Golden Beet	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 1 – Jul 11
Greek Oregano	herb	—	May 7 Plant Out	Jul 6 – Jul 26
Green Cabbage	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Aug 22
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber	cucumber	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jul 1 – Jul 6
Green Zebra Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Jul 31
Habanero Pepper	pepper	Apr 9	May 21 Transplant	Aug 19 – Sep 18
Heirloom Red Kuri Squash	winter squash	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Aug 5 – Aug 15
Heritage Raspberry	raspberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 7 – Jul 6
Honeydew Melon	vegetable	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Aug 22 – Sep 6
Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 28
Improved Meyer Lemon	meyer lemon	—	May 14 Plant Out	May 13
Jalapeño Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 28
Jimmy Nardello Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Aug 9 – Aug 19
Juliet Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 12 – Jul 14
King Arthur Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 22 – Jul 28
Lemon Verbena	lemon verbena	—	May 7 Plant Out	Aug 5 – Sep 4
Lunchbox Mini Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 15 – Jul 20
Marketmore 76 Cucumber	vegetable	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 11 – Jul 21
Midnight Snack Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 23
Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Aug 2 – Aug 7
Mountain Magic Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 25 – Jul 28
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil	basil	Apr 9	May 7 Transplant	Jul 6 – Jul 16
Mucho Nacho Jalapeño Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 21 – Jul 23
Nagami Kumquat	kumquat	—	May 14 Plant Out	May 13
Nantes Carrot	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 8 – Jul 21
New Zealand Spinach	new zealand spinach	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jun 26 – Jul 6
Orion Florence Fennel	fennel	Apr 16	May 7 Transplant	Jul 26 – Aug 5
Ozark Beauty Strawberry	strawberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	Jul 6 – Aug 5
Padron Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 20 – Jul 25
Parsnip	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Aug 15 – Sep 14
Patio Princess Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 23
Patriot Blueberry	blueberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 6
Pinkeye Purple Hull Pea	cowpea	Mar 19	May 14 Transplant	Jul 8 – Jul 21
Poblano Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 28
Purple Basil	herb	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Aug 7
Rambo Radish Microgreens	radish microgreens	May 7	May 14 Transplant	May 20 – May 24
Raspberry Shortcake Raspberry	raspberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 7 – Jul 6
Red Cabbage	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Sep 1
Red Pontiac Potato	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Aug 5 – Aug 25
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach	malabar spinach	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 8 – Jul 23
Roma VF Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 2
Romanesco	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 22
Rosemary	herb	—	May 14 Plant Out	Aug 2 – Aug 22
Rutgers Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Aug 2
San Marzano Tomatoes	tomato	May 7	May 14 Transplant	Jul 31 – Aug 10
Seascape Strawberry	strawberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	Jul 21 – Aug 5
Serrano Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Aug 2
Shishito Peppers	pepper	Apr 16	May 21 Transplant	Jul 20 – Jul 25
Snow Crown Cauliflower	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 3 – Jul 13
Softneck Garlic	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jan 2 – Feb 1
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber	cucumber	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jul 6 – Jul 11
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens	pea shoot microgreens	May 7	May 14 Transplant	May 22 – May 28
Straight Eight Cucumber	cucumber	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Jul 6 – Jul 11
Sugar Baby Watermelon	vegetable	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sun Gold Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 10 – Jul 18
Sunshine Blue Blueberry	blueberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 6
Sunshine Kabocha Squash	winter squash	Apr 23	May 7 Transplant	Aug 10 – Aug 15
Supersweet 100 Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet 100 Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Jul 18
Sweet Marjoram	marjoram	Apr 9	May 7 Transplant	Jul 21 – Aug 5
Sweet Million Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Jul 18
Thai Basil	herb	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 13 – Jul 18
Thai Hot Peppers	pepper	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 7
Tiny Tim Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jun 28 – Jul 8
Top Hat Blueberry	blueberry	—	May 7 Plant Out	May 6
Tumbling Tom Red Tomato	tomato	Apr 16	May 14 Transplant	Jul 18 – Jul 23
Turnip	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jun 26 – Jul 6
Waltham 29 Broccoli	vegetable	Apr 9	May 14 Transplant	Jul 28 – Aug 12
Watermelon Radish	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jun 26 – Jul 11
Yellow Pear Tomatoes	tomato	Apr 23	May 14 Transplant	Jul 23 – Jul 31
Yukon Gold Potato	root	—	May 7 Direct Sow	Jul 26 – Aug 15
Garlic	garlic	Oct 25	Nov 1 Transplant	Jun 29 – Jul 29

Browse Zone 5A by Month

See exactly what to plant, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 5A.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Zone 5A Growing Tips

Average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12 — these are the anchor dates your entire planting schedule is built around.
Occasional heat waves in July-August. Most crops handle the heat well with adequate water.
Thunderstorm-driven rainfall June-August. Supplemental irrigation needed during dry spells.
Disease pressure in this zone is moderate. Primary risks include early blight, late blight, downy mildew. Proper plant spacing, air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering significantly reduce disease incidence.
Fall cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes) should go in the ground between July 25 and September 1 for harvest before hard frost arrives.

States in Zone 5A

Zone 5A spans parts of these states. Note that zone boundaries run within states — check your specific ZIP code for your exact zone.

Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan (Upper Peninsula) Vermont New Hampshire Maine Montana (east) Wyoming (north)

Zone 5A Calendar Zone 5B

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Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals via NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals, NWS Des Moines (DMX). Growing season data from Iowa State University Extension. Planting dates are averages based on zone frost dates and standard horticultural timing — adjust for your local microclimate.