Frost Dates for Anderson, IN

In Anderson, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 19 and the average first fall frost around Oct 23, for a growing season of about 186 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 5, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1950% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 5only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2350% chance of frost before this date
Growing season186 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Anderson Sewage Plt, IN weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 841 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 5Oct 7
20%Apr 30Oct 13
30%Apr 25Oct 18
40%Apr 22Oct 21
50%Apr 19Oct 23
60%Apr 16Oct 26
70%Apr 12Oct 29
80%Apr 8Nov 1
90%Apr 3Nov 6

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 30Oct 13
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 19Oct 23
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 5Nov 3

Planting calendar for Anderson

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Peppers
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Basil
Indoors Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 22 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 22 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 26 – May 10
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 22 – Mar 29
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Green beans
Sow Apr 26 – May 10
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 26 – May 10
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 8 – Mar 22
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 25
Spinach
Sow Mar 8 – Mar 29
Fall sowing Aug 28 – Sep 18
Peas
Sow Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Kale
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Sep 11
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Carrots
Sow Mar 29 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 31 – Aug 14
Radishes
Sow Mar 15 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Sep 11 – Oct 2
Beets
Sow Mar 29 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Aug 14 – Aug 28
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8
Plant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Potatoes
Plant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Garlic
Plant Oct 23 – Nov 20

Based on the average last frost (Apr 19) and first frost (Oct 23). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

NoblesvilleFishersMuncieGreenfieldLawrenceWestfieldCarmelMarionAll Indiana towns