Iowa, US

Planting calendar for Des Moines

Last frost around April 14, first frost around October 27: about 196 frost-free days.

Last frost: April 14
First frost: October 27
Frost-free days: 196

Sow now: November

See the whole year

Outdoors

Garlic
Raspberry
Rhubarb

Under cover

Nothing this month.

The year at a glance

When each crop can be sown in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines, month by month. Each month says whether you can sow outdoors, under cover, or both.
Crop	JJan	FFeb	MMar	AApr	MMay	JJun	JJul	AAug	SSep	OOct	NNov	DDec
Fruiting
Tomato	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
Chile pepper	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
Bell pepper	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 outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Eggplant	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 outdoors and under cover	September: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Zucchini	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: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Cucumber	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: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Winter squash	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: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Sweet corn	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: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Roots
Carrot	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
Beet	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
Parsnip	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
Radish	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
Potato	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: Not this month	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Turnip	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 under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Leaves
Lettuce	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
Spinach	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
Swiss chard	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
Arugula	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
Celery	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
Runner bean	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: Sow under cover	October: Not this month	November: Not this month	December: Not this month
Green bean	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
Fava bean	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Sow outdoors and under cover	April: Sow outdoors and under cover	May: Not this month	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
Pea	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
Onion	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
Garlic	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
Leek	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
Scallion	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
Shallot	January: Not this month	February: Not this month	March: Plant outdoors and 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
Brassicas
Cabbage	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
Broccoli	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
Cauliflower	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
Brussels sprout	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
Kale	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
Bok choy	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
Basil	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
Parsley	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
Cilantro	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
Chives	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
Mint	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
Strawberry	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
Raspberry	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
Rhubarb	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 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 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 21 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: May 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
Under cover: Apr 21 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 19, ready around July 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Tomato across the US, town by town

Chile pepperOutdoors May 18 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 7; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 7
Under cover: Apr 20 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 84 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around August 10.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Chile pepper across the US, town by town

Bell pepperOutdoors May 23 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
Under cover: Apr 25 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 9.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Bell pepper across the US, town by town

EggplantOutdoors May 23 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 7; Under cover Apr 25 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4

Sow outdoors: May 23 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 7
Under cover: Apr 25 to Jul 11, and Jul 27 to Aug 7, and Aug 24 to Sep 4
First harvest: About 90 days after sowing. Sown on May 23, ready around August 21.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Eggplant across the US, town by town

ZucchiniOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 27; Under cover Apr 20 to Sep 24

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 27
Under cover: Apr 20 to Sep 24
First harvest: About 36 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Zucchini across the US, town by town

CucumberOutdoors May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 22; Under cover Apr 20 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 22
Under cover: Apr 20 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around June 29.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Cucumber across the US, town by town

Winter squashOutdoors May 18 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 10; Under cover Apr 20 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7

Sow outdoors: May 18 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 10
Under cover: Apr 20 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7
First harvest: About 66 days after sowing. Sown on May 18, ready around July 23.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 54°F or more, and no frost.

Winter squash across the US, town by town

Sweet cornOutdoors May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 12; Under cover Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 18, and Jul 27 to Aug 12
Under cover: Apr 15 to Jul 16, and Jul 27 to Aug 12, and Aug 24 to Sep 9
First harvest: About 60 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 12.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Sweet corn across the US, town by town

Roots

CarrotOutdoors Apr 3 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 6 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 6 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 69 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 11.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Carrot across the US, town by town

BeetOutdoors Apr 3 to Aug 22; Under cover Mar 6 to Sep 19

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Aug 22
Under cover: Mar 6 to Sep 19
First harvest: About 49 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Beet across the US, town by town

ParsnipOutdoors Mar 30 to Jun 15; Under cover Mar 2 to Jul 13

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Jun 15
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jul 13
First harvest: About 85 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 23.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsnip across the US, town by town

RadishOutdoors Mar 30 to May 23, and Aug 1 to Sep 28; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 20, and Jul 4 to Oct 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 23, and Aug 1 to Sep 28
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 20, and Jul 4 to Oct 26
First harvest: About 18 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around April 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Radish across the US, town by town

PotatoOutdoors Mar 30 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 9; Under cover Mar 2 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6

Plant outdoors: Mar 30 to May 25, and Jul 27 to Aug 9
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6
First harvest: About 65 days after planting. Planted on March 30, ready around June 3.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Potato across the US, town by town

TurnipOutdoors Mar 30 to Jun 3, and Jul 22 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 2 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Jun 3, and Jul 22 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 2 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 38 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 7.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Turnip across the US, town by town

Leaves

LettuceOutdoors Mar 31 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Aug 29; Under cover Mar 3 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Sep 26

Sow outdoors: Mar 31 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Aug 29
Under cover: Mar 3 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Sep 26
First harvest: About 46 days after sowing. Sown on March 31, ready around May 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Lettuce across the US, town by town

SpinachOutdoors Mar 30 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 23; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 21

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 23
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 21
First harvest: About 29 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around April 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Spinach across the US, town by town

Swiss chardOutdoors Apr 3 to Sep 3; Under cover Mar 6 to Oct 1

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Sep 3
Under cover: Mar 6 to Oct 1
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 15.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Swiss chard across the US, town by town

ArugulaOutdoors Mar 30 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 24; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 22

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 24
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 22
First harvest: About 26 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around April 25.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Arugula across the US, town by town

CeleryOutdoors Mar 27 to May 26; Under cover Feb 27 to Jun 23

Sow outdoors: Mar 27 to May 26
Under cover: Feb 27 to Jun 23
First harvest: About 79 days after sowing. Sown on March 27, ready around June 14.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Celery across the US, town by town

Beans and peas

Runner beanOutdoors May 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 16; Under cover Apr 15 to Sep 13

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 28, and Jul 27 to Aug 16
Under cover: Apr 15 to Sep 13
First harvest: About 54 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Runner bean across the US, town by town

Green beanOutdoors May 13 to Aug 25; Under cover Apr 15 to Sep 22

Sow outdoors: May 13 to Aug 25
Under cover: Apr 15 to Sep 22
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on May 13, ready around June 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 52°F or more, and no frost.

Green bean across the US, town by town

Fava beanOutdoors Mar 24 to Apr 7; Under cover Feb 24 to Mar 10, and Mar 24 to Apr 7, and Apr 21 to May 5

Sow outdoors: Mar 24 to Apr 7
Under cover: Feb 24 to Mar 10, and Mar 24 to Apr 7, and Apr 21 to May 5
First harvest: About 220 days after sowing. Sown on March 24, ready around October 30.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Fava bean across the US, town by town

PeaOutdoors Mar 30 to May 23, and Aug 1 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 20, and Jul 4 to Jul 17, and Aug 1 to Aug 14, and Aug 29 to Sep 11

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 23, and Aug 1 to Aug 14
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 20, and Jul 4 to Jul 17, and Aug 1 to Aug 14, and Aug 29 to Sep 11
First harvest: About 51 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 20.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Pea across the US, town by town

Onion family

OnionOutdoors Mar 29 to May 19; Under cover Mar 1 to Jun 16

Plant outdoors: Mar 29 to May 19
Under cover: Mar 1 to Jun 16
First harvest: About 90 days after planting. Planted on March 29, ready around June 27.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Onion across the US, town by town

GarlicOutdoors Oct 18 to Nov 10; Under cover Sep 20 to Dec 8

Plant outdoors: Oct 18 to Nov 10
Under cover: Sep 20 to Dec 8
First harvest: About 250 days after planting. Planted on October 18, ready around June 25.
Warmth: Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.

Garlic across the US, town by town

LeekOutdoors Mar 30 to Jul 15; Under cover Mar 2 to Aug 12

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Jul 15
Under cover: Mar 2 to Aug 12
First harvest: About 98 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around July 6.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Leek across the US, town by town

ScallionOutdoors Mar 27 to Sep 11; Under cover Feb 27 to Oct 9

Sow outdoors: Mar 27 to Sep 11
Under cover: Feb 27 to Oct 9
First harvest: About 42 days after sowing. Sown on March 27, ready around May 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Scallion across the US, town by town

ShallotOutdoors Mar 24 to Jun 6; Under cover Feb 24 to Jul 4

Plant outdoors: Mar 24 to Jun 6
Under cover: Feb 24 to Jul 4
First harvest: About 78 days after planting. Planted on March 24, ready around June 10.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 41°F.

Shallot across the US, town by town

Brassicas

CabbageOutdoors Mar 30 to Aug 8; Under cover Mar 2 to Sep 5

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Aug 8
Under cover: Mar 2 to Sep 5
First harvest: About 71 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 9.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Cabbage across the US, town by town

BroccoliOutdoors Apr 3 to Jul 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 10; Under cover Mar 6 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Jul 2, and Jul 27 to Aug 10
Under cover: Mar 6 to Aug 10, and Aug 24 to Sep 7
First harvest: About 62 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around June 4.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Broccoli across the US, town by town

CauliflowerOutdoors Mar 30 to May 23; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 20

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 23
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 20
First harvest: About 78 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around June 16.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cauliflower across the US, town by town

Brussels sproutOutdoors Mar 30 to May 30; Under cover Mar 2 to Jun 27

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to May 30
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jun 27
First harvest: About 114 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around July 22.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Brussels sprout across the US, town by town

KaleOutdoors Apr 3 to Aug 17; Under cover Mar 6 to Sep 14

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Aug 17
Under cover: Mar 6 to Sep 14
First harvest: About 55 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 28.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F.

Kale across the US, town by town

Bok choyOutdoors Apr 8 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 15; Under cover Mar 11 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 13

Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 15
Under cover: Mar 11 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 13
First harvest: About 34 days after sowing. Sown on April 8, ready around May 12.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 46°F; bolts in hot weather.

Bok choy across the US, town by town

Herbs

BasilOutdoors Apr 14 to Aug 28; Under cover Mar 17 to Sep 25

Sow outdoors: Apr 14 to Aug 28
Under cover: Mar 17 to Sep 25
First harvest: About 40 days after sowing. Sown on April 14, ready around May 24.
Warmth: Tender: needs days averaging 46°F or more, and no frost.

Basil across the US, town by town

ParsleyOutdoors Mar 30 to Sep 1; Under cover Mar 2 to Sep 29

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Sep 1
Under cover: Mar 2 to Sep 29
First harvest: About 48 days after sowing. Sown on March 30, ready around May 17.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 43°F.

Parsley across the US, town by town

CilantroOutdoors Apr 3 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 13; Under cover Mar 6 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 11

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 15, and Aug 9 to Sep 13
Under cover: Mar 6 to Jun 12, and Jul 12 to Oct 11
First harvest: About 35 days after sowing. Sown on April 3, ready around May 8.
Warmth: Hardy: grows once days average 45°F; bolts in hot weather.

Cilantro across the US, town by town

ChivesOutdoors Mar 30 to Jun 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 17; Under cover Mar 2 to Sep 14

Sow outdoors: Mar 30 to Jun 15, and Jul 27 to Aug 17
Under cover: Mar 2 to Sep 14
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 3 to Oct 2; Under cover Mar 6 to Oct 30

Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Oct 2
Under cover: Mar 6 to Oct 30
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 Mar 30 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 14; Under cover Mar 2 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 14, and Aug 24 to Sep 11

Plant outdoors: Mar 30 to May 30, and Jul 27 to Aug 14
Under cover: Mar 2 to Jul 17, and Jul 27 to Aug 14, and Aug 24 to Sep 11
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 31 to Nov 16; Under cover Oct 3 to Oct 19, and Oct 31 to Nov 16, and Nov 28 to Dec 14

Plant outdoors: Oct 31 to Nov 16
Under cover: Oct 3 to Oct 19, and Oct 31 to Nov 16, and Nov 28 to Dec 14
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 24 to Nov 13; Under cover Sep 26 to Dec 11

Plant outdoors: Oct 24 to Nov 13
Under cover: Sep 26 to Dec 11
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

Nearby

Questions about growing in Des Moines

When is the last frost in Des Moines?

On average around April 14, and the first autumn frost comes around October 27. 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 Des Moines?

Yes. Plant them outdoors May 19 to Jun 13, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, or under cover Apr 21 to Jul 12, and Jul 27 to Aug 9, and Aug 24 to Sep 6.

What can I sow in Des Moines 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 Des Moines. 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