Clinton, IA planting zone & frost dates
Clinton is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 13 and the first fall frost around October 26, for a growing season of about 195 days.
Planting calendar for Clinton
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 13) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 26).
Useful for zone 5b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 1 | Apr 13 | Apr 28 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 26 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 28, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clinton
- 52732 zone 5b
- 52733 zone 5b
- 52734 zone 5b
- 52736 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Bettendorf zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Davenport zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Dubuque zone 5a, last frost Apr 19
- Muscatine zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- Iowa City zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- Burlington zone 6a, last frost Apr 15
- Coralville zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
- North Liberty zone 5b, last frost Apr 21
Questions
What growing zone is Clinton, IA?
Clinton is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Clinton?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clinton is April 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 28.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clinton?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 20 – Apr 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Fulton L&D #13, IL (USC00113290), 6.6 km (4.1 mi) from the city center, elevation 180 m, based on 24 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.