Frost Dates for Clinton, IA 52732
Last spring frost April 23 · First fall frost October 6 · 166 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
ZIP 52732 has about 25,900 people.
Moderate season: 166 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 9–May 8 (29 days). Fall frost risk spans September 24–October 19 (25 days).
Frost probability for 52732
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 8 | April 23 | April 9 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 24 | October 6 | October 19 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CLINTON #1 (11.9 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 166-day season in Clinton
In Clinton (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 19 | May 7–May 14 | 124 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 124 available after May 7. | Jun 6 |
| Pepper | Mar 12 | May 7–May 14 | 124 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 124 available after May 7. | Jun 11 |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 2 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 2–Apr 9 | 208 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 2. | Aug 4 |
| Cucumber | Apr 2 | May 7–May 14 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
| Beans | — | Apr 30–May 14 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 29. | Jul 17 |
| Peas | — | Feb 26–May 7 | 229 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 229 available after Feb 26. | Jul 26 |
| Zucchini | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Onion | Jan 29 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 201 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 201 available after Mar 26. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 26–Apr 16 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Kale | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Mar 26. | Jul 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 215 available after Mar 26. | Aug 4 |
| Radish | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 4; both mature before Oct 13. | Sep 4 |
| Beets | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 6 | 271 | overwinter: Plant Oct 6 to Oct 27; harvest the following summer. | Oct 27 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 19–May 14 | 222 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 19; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after Apr 30. | Jun 18 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 9 | May 7–May 7 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 7. | May 24 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 12 | Apr 16–Apr 30 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 16. | Jul 16 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 26 | Apr 9–Apr 9 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Sep 3; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 3 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 26 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 215 available after Mar 26. | Jul 5 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 7. | May 24 |
| Eggplant | Mar 5 | May 7–May 14 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 7. | Jun 16 |
| Okra | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Basil | Mar 19 | May 14–May 14 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jul 10 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 26–Apr 16 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Parsley | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 30. | Jul 21 |
| Celery | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 14 | 166 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 30. | Jun 1 |
| Scallions | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 12–Mar 26 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 26 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 16 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 15 |
| Collards | Feb 12 | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 14; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 14 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 7. | Jun 1 |
| Chives | Jan 29 | Apr 30–May 7 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 26–May 21 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 26 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 5 |
| Oregano | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 180 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 29 | Apr 30–May 7 | 166 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 166 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Sage | Feb 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 12 | Apr 30–May 7 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 30. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 13. | Aug 10 |
| Cosmos | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
| Lavender | Jan 29 | Apr 23–May 7 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 12 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 20; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 20 |
| Melons | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 7. | Jun 1 |
| Mint | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 26 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 30–May 14 | 145 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 145 available after Apr 30. | Jul 5 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 7. | Jun 3 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 23–May 7 | 152 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 152 available after Apr 23. | Jun 30 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 26 | Apr 30–May 7 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after Apr 30. | Jun 11 |
| Watermelon | Apr 9 | Apr 30–May 7 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after Apr 30. | Jun 6 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 15; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 15 |
| Zinnias | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Jul 10; both mature before Sep 22. | Jul 10 |
Month by month in Clinton
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 29), Lavender (Jan 29), Onion (Jan 29), Rosemary (Jan 29). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 12), Collards (Feb 12), Kale (Feb 12), Oregano (Feb 12), Parsley (Feb 12), Scallions (Feb 12), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 26), Beets (Feb 26), Dill (Feb 26), Peas (Feb 26), Radish (Feb 26), Spinach (Feb 26). |
| March | Start indoors: Eggplant (Mar 5), Calendula (Mar 12), Cauliflower (Mar 12), Marigolds (Mar 12), Pepper (Mar 12), Basil (Mar 19), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 12), Cilantro (Mar 26), Turnip (Mar 26). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 26), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 26), Cabbage (Mar 26), Collards (Mar 26), Kale (Mar 26), Lettuce (Mar 26), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 19). |
| April | Start indoors: Cucumber (Apr 2), Butternut Squash (Apr 9), Cantaloupe (Apr 9), Melons (Apr 9), Pumpkin (Apr 9), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 9), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Apr 2), Potatoes (Apr 9), Sunflowers (Apr 23), Beans (Apr 30), Pole Beans (Apr 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 9), Swiss Chard (Apr 9), Bok Choy (Apr 16), Cauliflower (Apr 16), Cosmos (Apr 23), Lavender (Apr 23), +15 more. Last frost around April 23. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 7), Cantaloupe (May 7), Cucumber (May 7), Eggplant (May 7), Melons (May 7), Pepper (May 7), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (May 24), Pumpkin (May 24). |
| June | Last sowing dates: Cantaloupe (Jun 1), Celery (Jun 1), Melons (Jun 1), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 3), Tomato (Jun 6), Watermelon (Jun 6), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 5), Pole Beans (Jul 5), Basil (Jul 10), Cosmos (Jul 10), Cucumber (Jul 10), Zinnias (Jul 10), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 4), Carrots (Aug 4), Beets (Aug 5), Dill (Aug 5), Swiss Chard (Aug 5), Calendula (Aug 10), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Arugula (Sep 3), Spinach (Sep 3), Radish (Sep 4). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 6). First frost around October 6. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 27). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Clinton, IA (ZIP 52732)?
The median last spring frost date for Clinton, IA (ZIP code 52732) is around April 23. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before April 9; one in ten it runs past May 8.
What is the first fall frost date in Clinton, IA?
The median first fall frost date for Clinton, IA is around October 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 24 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Clinton, IA?
The frost-free growing season in Clinton is about 166 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Clinton (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Clinton, IA?
Clinton, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Clinton, IA?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 19 and plant out May 7 in Clinton. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Clinton?
Two: plant Mar 26 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 13.
When do I plant garlic in Clinton?
Oct 6 to Oct 27; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
East Moline (ZIP 61244) has 178 frost-free days, 12 more than Clinton (ZIP 52732). See East Moline ZIP 61244 frost dates
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