DibbleIowa frost dates: first and last freeze
Iowa spans USDA Zones 4 to 6, so frost arrives on different dates across the state. Most of Iowa sits in Zone 5, where the last spring frost falls around May 3 and the first fall frost around October 12.
| Zone | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Frost-free days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | May 10 | October 5 | 148 |
| Zone 5 (most common) | May 3 | October 12 | 162 |
| Zone 6 | April 25 | October 21 | 179 |
These are typical dates for the zone, not a forecast. A frost can land a couple of weeks either side, and your own yard has its own microclimate. Dibble pins the dates to your garden's own location and sends a frost warning the evening before a cold night: one a season free, and live alerts all season with Premium.
What to do with these dates in Iowa
- Count back from the last spring frost to know when to start seeds indoors.
- Wait until after it to move out tomatoes, peppers, and anything else frost-tender.
- Count back from the first fall frost to find the last useful sowing date.
- Cover or harvest before the first fall frost lands.
Keep exploring
The Iowa planting calendar · Last sowing dates by zone · Frost dates for every state
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