Lebanon, MO planting zone & frost dates
Lebanon is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 17 and the first fall frost around October 21, for a growing season of about 187 days.
Planting calendar for Lebanon
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 17) 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 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 8 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 6 – Feb 20 Transplant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: Apr 24 – May 1 |
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 6b 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 | Mar 31 | Apr 17 | May 2 |
| 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 2, 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 4.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lebanon
- 65536 zone 6b
Nearby cities
- Fort Leonard Wood zone 6b, last frost Apr 14
- Bolivar zone 6b, last frost Apr 14
- Springfield zone 7a, last frost Apr 4
- Ozark zone 6b, last frost Apr 15
- Nixa zone 6b, last frost Apr 15
- Rolla zone 6b, last frost Apr 5
- Republic zone 6b, last frost Apr 15
- Jefferson City zone 6b, last frost Apr 8
Questions
What growing zone is Lebanon, MO?
Lebanon is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Lebanon?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lebanon is April 17. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lebanon?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 24 – May 1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lebanon 2W, MO (USC00234825), 2.7 km (1.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 380 m, based on 27 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.