Iowa, US
Planting calendar for Cedar Rapids
Last frost around April 18, first frost around October 25: about 190 frost-free days.
- Last frost
- April 18 on average
- First frost
- October 25 on average
- Frost-free days
- 190 in a typical year
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Cedar Rapids. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
| Crop | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Sow under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Sow under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Plant under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow outdoors and under cover | July: Sow outdoors and under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant under cover | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Plant under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
| January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Plant under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant outdoors and under cover | December: Plant under cover | |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2

- Sow outdoors
- May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 5
- Under cover
- Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around July 28.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Chile pepperOutdoors May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 3; Under cover Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 3
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around August 14.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Bell pepperOutdoors May 27 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 5; Under cover Apr 29 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2

- Sow outdoors
- May 27 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 5
- Under cover
- Apr 29 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 27, ready around August 13.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
EggplantOutdoors May 27 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 3; Under cover Apr 29 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31

- Sow outdoors
- May 27 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 3
- Under cover
- Apr 29 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 3, and Aug 23 to Aug 31
- First harvest
- About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 27, ready around August 25.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
ZucchiniOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 24; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 21

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 24
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Sep 21
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around June 27.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 19; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 16

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 19
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Sep 16
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around July 3.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Winter squashOutdoors May 22 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 6; Under cover Apr 24 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3

- Sow outdoors
- May 22 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 6
- Under cover
- Apr 24 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3
- First harvest
- About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 22, ready around July 27.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.
Sweet cornOutdoors May 17 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 8; Under cover Apr 19 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jun 22, and Jul 26 to Aug 8
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Aug 8, and Aug 23 to Sep 5
- First harvest
- About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around July 16.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 5; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 2

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Aug 5
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Sep 2
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
BeetOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 20; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 17

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Aug 20
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Sep 17
- First harvest
- About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ParsnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 15

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jun 17
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jul 15
- First harvest
- About 84 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 24.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RadishOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 24 to Sep 27; Under cover Mar 4 to Oct 25

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 24 to Sep 27
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Oct 25
- First harvest
- About 18 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors Apr 1 to May 27, and Jul 26 to Aug 6; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 9, and Jul 26 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 27, and Jul 26 to Aug 6
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jul 9, and Jul 26 to Aug 6, and Aug 23 to Sep 3
- First harvest
- About 63 days after planting. Planted on April 1, ready around June 3.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
TurnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 19, and Jul 6 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 28

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jun 19, and Jul 6 to Aug 31
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Sep 28
- First harvest
- About 37 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors Apr 3 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Aug 27; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Sep 24

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 3 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Aug 27
- Under cover
- Mar 6 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Sep 24
- First harvest
- About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 19.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors Apr 1 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 21; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 19

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 21
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 19
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 29.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 28

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Aug 31
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Sep 28
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 18.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
ArugulaOutdoors Apr 1 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 22; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 20

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 22
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 20
- First harvest
- About 25 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around April 26.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors Mar 29 to May 28; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 25

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to May 28
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Jun 25
- First harvest
- About 78 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around June 15.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors May 17 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 12; Under cover Apr 19 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 12
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around July 10.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Green beanOutdoors May 17 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 19 to Sep 19

- Sow outdoors
- May 17 to Aug 22
- Under cover
- Apr 19 to Sep 19
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 17, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.
Fava beanOutdoors Mar 27 to Apr 10; Under cover Feb 27 to Mar 13, and Mar 27 to Apr 10, and Apr 24 to May 8

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 27 to Apr 10
- Under cover
- Feb 27 to Mar 13, and Mar 27 to Apr 10, and Apr 24 to May 8
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on March 27, ready around November 2.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Aug 12; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 26 to Aug 12
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 12, and Aug 23 to Sep 9
- First harvest
- About 50 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 21.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors Mar 31 to May 21; Under cover Mar 3 to Jun 18

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 31 to May 21
- Under cover
- Mar 3 to Jun 18
- First harvest
- About 89 days after planting. Planted on March 31, ready around June 28.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
GarlicOutdoors Oct 16 to Nov 8; Under cover Sep 18 to Dec 6

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 16 to Nov 8
- Under cover
- Sep 18 to Dec 6
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 16, ready around June 23.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors Apr 1 to Jul 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Aug 14

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jul 17
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Aug 14
- First harvest
- About 97 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around July 7.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
ScallionOutdoors Mar 29 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 1 to Oct 7

- Sow outdoors
- Mar 29 to Sep 9
- Under cover
- Mar 1 to Oct 7
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 29, ready around May 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
ShallotOutdoors Mar 27 to Jun 9; Under cover Feb 27 to Jul 7

- Plant outdoors
- Mar 27 to Jun 9
- Under cover
- Feb 27 to Jul 7
- First harvest
- About 78 days after planting. Planted on March 27, ready around June 13.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 4; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 1

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Aug 4
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Sep 1
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 10.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
BroccoliOutdoors Apr 6 to Jul 5, and Jul 26 to Aug 7; Under cover Mar 9 to Aug 7, and Aug 23 to Sep 4

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Jul 5, and Jul 26 to Aug 7
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Aug 7, and Aug 23 to Sep 4
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 8.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 28

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to May 31
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jun 28
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around June 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 1; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 29

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jun 1
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jun 29
- First harvest
- About 115 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around July 25.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
KaleOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 11

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Aug 14
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Sep 11
- First harvest
- About 56 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around June 1.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Bok choyOutdoors Apr 11 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 14 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 11

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 11 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 13
- Under cover
- Mar 14 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 11
- First harvest
- About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 11, ready around May 16.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors Apr 18 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 21 to Sep 22

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 18 to Aug 25
- Under cover
- Mar 21 to Sep 22
- First harvest
- About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 18, ready around May 30.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 26

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Aug 29
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Sep 26
- First harvest
- About 46 days after sowing. Sown on April 1, ready around May 17.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
CilantroOutdoors Apr 6 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 11; Under cover Mar 9 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 9

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to May 21, and Aug 3 to Sep 11
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Jun 18, and Jul 6 to Oct 9
- First harvest
- About 36 days after sowing. Sown on April 6, ready around May 12.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 14, and Aug 23 to Sep 11

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 14
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jul 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 14, and Aug 23 to Sep 11
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
MintOutdoors Apr 6 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 28

- Sow outdoors
- Apr 6 to Sep 30
- Under cover
- Mar 9 to Oct 28
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 26 to Aug 11; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8

- Plant outdoors
- Apr 1 to Jun 1, and Jul 26 to Aug 11
- Under cover
- Mar 4 to Jul 14, and Jul 26 to Aug 11, and Aug 23 to Sep 8
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.
RaspberryOutdoors Oct 30 to Nov 14; Under cover Oct 2 to Oct 17, and Oct 30 to Nov 14, and Nov 27 to Dec 12

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 30 to Nov 14
- Under cover
- Oct 2 to Oct 17, and Oct 30 to Nov 14, and Nov 27 to Dec 12
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbOutdoors Oct 22 to Nov 12; Under cover Sep 24 to Dec 10

- Plant outdoors
- Oct 22 to Nov 12
- Under cover
- Sep 24 to Dec 10
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Cedar Rapids
When is the last frost in Cedar Rapids?
On average around April 18, and the first autumn frost comes around October 25. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Plant them outdoors May 23 to Jun 17, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, or under cover Apr 25 to Jul 15, and Jul 26 to Aug 5, and Aug 23 to Sep 2.
What can I sow in Cedar Rapids in November?
Outdoors: garlic, raspberry, rhubarb.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
How these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work
