Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in St lucas, IA, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 4b.
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St lucas, IA Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for St lucas, IA
The average last frost date in spring for St lucas is May 10th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 24th before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for St lucas, IA
The average first frost date in fall for St lucas is October 5th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in St lucas, IA
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in St lucas is approximately 148 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
St lucas, IA Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
St lucas, IA Monthly Planting Recommendations
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Celery seeds indoors (from March 1st to March 15th), starting Coleus seeds indoors (from March 15th to March 29th), and starting Cabbage seeds indoors (from March 15th to March 29th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Mustard (from April 12th to April 26th), direct sowing Garden Cress (from April 12th to April 26th), and direct sowing Swiss Chard (from April 26th to May 10th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Pumpkin (from May 17th to May 31st), direct sowing Butternut Squash (from May 17th to May 31st), and direct sowing Lemon Balm (from May 10th to May 24th).