Frost Dates for Tell City, IN 47586
Last spring frost April 17 · First fall frost October 19 · 185 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 47586 has about 10,800 people.
Long season: 185 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 4–May 1 (27 days). Fall frost risk spans October 7–October 31 (24 days).
Frost probability for 47586
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 1 | April 17 | April 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 7 | October 19 | October 31 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at SAINT MEINRAD (17.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 185-day season in Tell City
In Tell City (185 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 13 | May 1–May 8 | 143 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 143 available after May 1. | Jun 19 |
| Pepper | Mar 6 | May 1–May 8 | 143 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 143 available after May 1. | Jun 24 |
| Lettuce | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Mar 27 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 27–Apr 3 | 227 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 227 available after Mar 27. | Aug 17 |
| Cucumber | Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 30; both mature before Oct 12. | Jul 30 |
| Peas | — | Feb 20–May 1 | 248 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 248 available after Feb 20. | Aug 8 |
| Zucchini | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Onion | Jan 23 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 220 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 20. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 20–Apr 10 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 220 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 20. | Jul 24 |
| Cabbage | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 20. | Aug 17 |
| Radish | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Oct 26. | Sep 17 |
| Beets | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 3–Apr 10 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 3. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 19 | 290 | overwinter: Plant Oct 19 to Nov 9; harvest the following summer. | Nov 9 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 13–May 8 | 241 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 13; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 157 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 24. | Jul 1 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 3 | May 1–May 1 | 150 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 150 available after May 1. | Jun 6 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 6 | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 199 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 10. | Jul 29 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 20 | Apr 3–Apr 3 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Sep 16; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 16 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 20 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 20. | Jul 18 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 150 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 150 available after May 1. | Jun 6 |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | 143 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 143 available after May 1. | Jun 29 |
| Okra | Mar 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Basil | Mar 13 | May 8–May 8 | 150 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 20–Apr 10 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Parsley | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 185 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 24. | Aug 3 |
| Celery | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 8 | 185 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 24. | Jun 14 |
| Scallions | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 6 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 6–Mar 20 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 6 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 9. | Sep 1 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 20 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | 199 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 28 |
| Collards | Feb 6 | Mar 20–Apr 3 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 27; both mature before Nov 9. | Aug 27 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 143 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 143 available after May 1. | Jun 14 |
| Chives | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 20–May 15 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 20 and again by Aug 18; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 18 |
| Oregano | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 23 | Apr 24–May 1 | 185 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Sage | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 199 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | 199 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 6 | Apr 3–Apr 17 | 206 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 26. | Aug 23 |
| Cosmos | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
| Lavender | Jan 23 | Apr 17–May 1 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 6 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 5. | Aug 2 |
| Melons | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 143 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 143 available after May 1. | Jun 14 |
| Mint | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 206 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 206 available after Apr 17. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 164 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 24. | Jul 18 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 150 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 150 available after May 1. | Jun 16 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 171 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 17. | Jul 13 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | 150 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 24. | Jun 24 |
| Watermelon | Apr 3 | Apr 24–May 1 | 150 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 150 available after Apr 24. | Jun 19 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 157 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 28 |
| Zinnias | Mar 20 | Apr 17–May 1 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Jul 23; both mature before Oct 5. | Jul 23 |
Month by month in Tell City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 23), Lavender (Jan 23), Onion (Jan 23), Rosemary (Jan 23). |
| February | Start indoors: Celery (Feb 6), Collards (Feb 6), Kale (Feb 6), Oregano (Feb 6), Parsley (Feb 6), Scallions (Feb 6), +9 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 20), Beets (Feb 20), Dill (Feb 20), Peas (Feb 20), Radish (Feb 20), Spinach (Feb 20). |
| March | Start indoors: Calendula (Mar 6), Cauliflower (Mar 6), Marigolds (Mar 6), Pepper (Mar 6), Basil (Mar 13), Tomato (Mar 13), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Mar 6), Cilantro (Mar 20), Turnip (Mar 20), Carrots (Mar 27). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 20), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 20), Cabbage (Mar 20), Collards (Mar 20), Kale (Mar 20), Lettuce (Mar 20), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 13). |
| April | Start indoors: Butternut Squash (Apr 3), Cantaloupe (Apr 3), Melons (Apr 3), Pumpkin (Apr 3), Spaghetti Squash (Apr 3), Watermelon (Apr 3), +2 more. Direct sow from: Potatoes (Apr 3), Sunflowers (Apr 17), Beans (Apr 24), Pole Beans (Apr 24). Transplant from: Calendula (Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Apr 3), Bok Choy (Apr 10), Cauliflower (Apr 10), Cosmos (Apr 17), Lavender (Apr 17), +15 more. Last frost around April 17. |
| May | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (May 1), Cantaloupe (May 1), Cucumber (May 1), Eggplant (May 1), Melons (May 1), Pepper (May 1), +6 more. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 6), Pumpkin (Jun 6), Cantaloupe (Jun 14), Celery (Jun 14), Melons (Jun 14), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 16), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 1), Sunflowers (Jul 13), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 18), Pole Beans (Jul 18), Basil (Jul 23), Cosmos (Jul 23), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 2), Parsley (Aug 3), Peas (Aug 8), Cabbage (Aug 17), Carrots (Aug 17), Beets (Aug 18), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 1), Kohlrabi (Sep 1), Turnip (Sep 6), Arugula (Sep 16), Spinach (Sep 16), Radish (Sep 17). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 19). First frost around October 19. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 9). |
| 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 Tell City, IN (ZIP 47586)?
The median last spring frost date for Tell City, IN (ZIP code 47586) is around April 17. 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 4; one in ten it runs past May 1.
What is the first fall frost date in Tell City, IN?
The median first fall frost date for Tell City, IN is around October 19. 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 October 7 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Tell City, IN?
The frost-free growing season in Tell City is about 185 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 Tell City (185 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Tell City, IN?
Tell City, IN is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (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 Tell City, IN?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 13 and plant out May 1 in Tell City. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Tell City?
Two: plant Mar 20 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 26.
When do I plant garlic in Tell City?
Oct 19 to Nov 9; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Tell City?
Yes: plant out May 1 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 19 for a fall crop.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Boonville (ZIP 47601) has 198 frost-free days, 13 more than Tell City (ZIP 47586). See Boonville ZIP 47601 frost dates
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