Last spring frost
Apr 30
Frost Dates for Fertile, IA
First fall frost
Oct 7
Growing season
159 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Fertile, IA, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 30 and the first fall frost is about Oct 7, giving roughly a 159-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 14 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 20 | May 8 | Apr 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 10 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 1 | Apr 18 | Apr 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 23 | Apr 9 | Mar 27 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 11 | May 8 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 27 |
| 32°F | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 28°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 |
| 24°F | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 |
| 20°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
| 16°F | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 15 | Sep 28 | Oct 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 7 | Oct 20 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 18 | Oct 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 28 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 |
| 32°F | Sep 22 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 |
| 28°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 23 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 19 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Forest City 2 Nne, Ia, about 9.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,280 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fertile, IA?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fertile, IA is about Apr 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fertile, IA typically arrives about Oct 7. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 30 on average, or Apr 14 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 159 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 50434 Planting calendar → Iowa frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026