Clive, IA planting zone & frost dates
Clive is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 18 and the first fall frost around October 20, for a growing season of about 184 days.
Planting calendar for Clive
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 18) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 25 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 20).
Useful for zone 5b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | May 2 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 1 | Oct 20 | Oct 4 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 2, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 4. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 8.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Clive
- 50325 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Urbandale zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- West Des Moines zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- Johnston zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Grimes zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Des Moines zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- Norwalk zone 5b, last frost Apr 18
- Waukee zone 5b, last frost Apr 19
- Ankeny zone 5b, last frost Apr 23
Questions
What growing zone is Clive, IA?
Clive is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Clive?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Clive is April 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 2.
When can I plant tomatoes in Clive?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 25 – May 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Des Moines Intl Ap, IA (USW00014933), 9.7 km (6.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 292 m, based on 26 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.