Iowa Planting Guide & Growing Season
Iowa is in USDA hardiness zone with a growing season of 160 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 15 - May 1 and the average first fall frost is Oct 1 - Oct 15.
Growing Conditions in Iowa
How Iowa Compares
Compare Iowa's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa (IA) | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 | 160 | |
| Alabama (AL) | Mar 1 - Apr 1 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 | 220 | |
| Alaska (AK) | May 15 - Jun 15 | Aug 15 - Sep 15 | 105 | |
| Arizona (AZ) | Feb 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 15 | 270 | |
| Arkansas (AR) | Mar 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 | 210 | |
| California (CA) | Jan 15 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Dec 31 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Iowa
When should I start seeds indoors in Iowa?
In Iowa, the average last frost date is Apr 15 - May 1. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Iowa is undefined, with a growing season of approximately 160 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Iowa?
Iowa falls in USDA hardiness zones undefined. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Iowa?
The average first frost date in Iowa is Oct 1 - Oct 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Iowa?
Iowa has an average growing season of 160 days, from the last frost (Apr 15 - May 1) to first frost (Oct 1 - Oct 15). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.