Lawrence, KS planting zone & frost dates
Lawrence is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 12 and the first fall frost around October 28, for a growing season of about 199 days.
Planting calendar for Lawrence
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 12) 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 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 2 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 28).
Useful for zone 6b 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 | Mar 30 | Apr 12 | Apr 24 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 9 | Oct 28 | Oct 14 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 24, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 14. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Lawrence
- 66044 zone 6b
- 66045 zone 6b
- 66046 zone 6b
- 66047 zone 6b
- 66049 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Lawrence?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Lawrence is April 12. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 24.
When can I plant tomatoes in Lawrence?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 19 – Apr 26. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Lawrence, KS (USC00144559), 2.0 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 320 m, based on 20 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.