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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 year

Outdoors

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The 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.

Sow outdoorsSow under cover (indoors, a greenhouse or a cold frame)
When to sow each crop in Cedar Rapids, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
CropJJanFFebMMarAAprMMayJJunJJulAAugSSepOOctNNovDDec
Fruiting
TomatoJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Chile pepperJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Bell pepperJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
EggplantJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Sow under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ZucchiniJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CucumberJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Winter squashJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Sweet cornJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Roots
CarrotJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
BeetJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ParsnipJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
RadishJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
PotatoJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Plant under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
TurnipJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Leaves
LettuceJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
SpinachJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Swiss chardJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ArugulaJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CeleryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Beans and peas
Runner beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Green beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Sow under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Fava beanJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow under coverJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
PeaJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Onion family
OnionJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
GarlicJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Plant under coverOctober: Plant outdoors and under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: Not this month
LeekJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ScallionJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ShallotJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant outdoors and under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Brassicas
CabbageJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
BroccoliJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CauliflowerJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Brussels sproutJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
KaleJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Bok choyJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Herbs
BasilJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ParsleyJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
CilantroJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
ChivesJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
MintJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Sow under coverApril: Sow outdoors and under coverMay: Sow outdoors and under coverJune: Sow outdoors and under coverJuly: Sow outdoors and under coverAugust: Sow outdoors and under coverSeptember: Sow outdoors and under coverOctober: Sow under coverNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
Fruit
StrawberryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Plant under coverApril: Plant outdoors and under coverMay: Plant outdoors and under coverJune: Plant under coverJuly: Plant under coverAugust: Plant outdoors and under coverSeptember: Plant under coverOctober: Not this monthNovember: Not this monthDecember: Not this month
RaspberryJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Not this monthOctober: Plant under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: Plant under cover
RhubarbJanuary: Not this monthFebruary: Not this monthMarch: Not this monthApril: Not this monthMay: Not this monthJune: Not this monthJuly: Not this monthAugust: Not this monthSeptember: Plant under coverOctober: Plant outdoors and under coverNovember: Plant outdoors and under coverDecember: 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
Tomato growing on a plot
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.
Tomato across the US, town by town
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
Chile pepper growing on a plot
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.
Chile pepper across the US, town by town
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
Bell pepper growing on a plot
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.
Bell pepper across the US, town by town
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
Eggplant growing on a plot
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.
Eggplant across the US, town by town
ZucchiniOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 24; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 21
Zucchini growing on a plot
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.
Zucchini across the US, town by town
CucumberOutdoors May 22 to Jul 2, and Jul 26 to Aug 19; Under cover Apr 24 to Sep 16
Cucumber growing on a plot
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.
Cucumber across the US, town by town
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
Winter squash growing on a plot
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.
Winter squash across the US, town by town
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
Sweet corn growing on a plot
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.
Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 5; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 2
Carrot growing on a plot
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.
Carrot across the US, town by town
BeetOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 20; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 17
Beet growing on a plot
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.
Beet across the US, town by town
ParsnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Jul 15
Parsnip growing on a plot
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.
Parsnip across the US, town by town
RadishOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31, and Jul 24 to Sep 27; Under cover Mar 4 to Oct 25
Radish growing on a plot
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.
Radish across the US, town by town
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
Potato growing on a plot
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.
Potato across the US, town by town
TurnipOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 19, and Jul 6 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 28
Turnip growing on a plot
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.
Turnip across the US, town by town

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
Lettuce growing on a plot
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.
Lettuce across the US, town by town
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
Spinach growing on a plot
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.
Spinach across the US, town by town
Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 31; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 28
Swiss chard growing on a plot
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.
Swiss chard across the US, town by town
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
Arugula growing on a plot
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.
Arugula across the US, town by town
CeleryOutdoors Mar 29 to May 28; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 25
Celery growing on a plot
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.
Celery across the US, town by town

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
Runner bean growing on a plot
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.
Runner bean across the US, town by town
Green beanOutdoors May 17 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 19 to Sep 19
Green bean growing on a plot
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.
Green bean across the US, town by town
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
Fava bean growing on a plot
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.
Fava bean across the US, town by town
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
Pea growing on a plot
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.
Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Mar 31 to May 21; Under cover Mar 3 to Jun 18
Onion growing on a plot
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.
Onion across the US, town by town
GarlicOutdoors Oct 16 to Nov 8; Under cover Sep 18 to Dec 6
Garlic growing on a plot
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.
Garlic across the US, town by town
LeekOutdoors Apr 1 to Jul 17; Under cover Mar 4 to Aug 14
Leek growing on a plot
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.
Leek across the US, town by town
ScallionOutdoors Mar 29 to Sep 9; Under cover Mar 1 to Oct 7
Scallion growing on a plot
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.
Scallion across the US, town by town
ShallotOutdoors Mar 27 to Jun 9; Under cover Feb 27 to Jul 7
Shallot growing on a plot
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.
Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 4; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 1
Cabbage growing on a plot
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.
Cabbage across the US, town by town
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
Broccoli growing on a plot
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.
Broccoli across the US, town by town
CauliflowerOutdoors Apr 1 to May 31; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 28
Cauliflower growing on a plot
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.
Cauliflower across the US, town by town
Brussels sproutOutdoors Apr 1 to Jun 1; Under cover Mar 4 to Jun 29
Brussels sprout growing on a plot
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.
Brussels sprout across the US, town by town
KaleOutdoors Apr 6 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 9 to Sep 11
Kale growing on a plot
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.
Kale across the US, town by town
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
Bok choy growing on a plot
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.
Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 18 to Aug 25; Under cover Mar 21 to Sep 22
Basil growing on a plot
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.
Basil across the US, town by town
ParsleyOutdoors Apr 1 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 4 to Sep 26
Parsley growing on a plot
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.
Parsley across the US, town by town
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
Cilantro growing on a plot
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.
Cilantro across the US, town by town
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
Chives growing on a plot
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.
Chives across the US, town by town
MintOutdoors Apr 6 to Sep 30; Under cover Mar 9 to Oct 28
Mint growing on a plot
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.
Mint across the US, town by town

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
Strawberry growing on a plot
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.
Strawberry across the US, town by town
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
Raspberry growing on a plot
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.
Raspberry across the US, town by town
RhubarbOutdoors Oct 22 to Nov 12; Under cover Sep 24 to Dec 10
Rhubarb growing on a plot
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.
Rhubarb across the US, town by town

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.

Get these dates as reminders

Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your backyard or community garden plot in Cedar Rapids. Free for 2 months.

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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