Greenwood, IN planting zone & frost dates
Greenwood is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. The last spring frost usually comes around April 20 and the first fall frost around October 21, for a growing season of about 183 days.
Planting calendar for Greenwood
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 20) 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 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: May 4 – May 11 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 9 – Feb 23 Transplant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 26 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 21).
Useful for zone 6a 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 6 | Apr 20 | May 5 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 3 | Oct 21 | Oct 7 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 5, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 7. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 7.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Greenwood
- 46142 zone 6b
- 46143 zone 6a
Nearby cities
- Beech Grove zone 6b, last frost Apr 20
- Franklin zone 6b, last frost Apr 20
- Indianapolis zone 6b, last frost Apr 20
- Lawrence zone 6a, last frost Apr 18
- Speedway zone 6b, last frost Apr 12
- Broad Ripple zone 6b, last frost Apr 18
- Plainfield zone 6a, last frost Apr 12
- Avon zone 6a, last frost Apr 12
Questions
What growing zone is Greenwood, IN?
Greenwood is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a (average extreme winter low -10°F to -5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 6b.
When is the last frost in Greenwood?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Greenwood is April 20. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 5.
When can I plant tomatoes in Greenwood?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 27 – May 4. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Indianapolis Se Side, IN (USC00124272), 11.9 km (7.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 258 m, based on 23 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.