Frost Dates for Columbus, IN
In Columbus, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 11 and the average first fall frost around Oct 25, for a growing season of about 195 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 30, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Columbus, IN weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 609 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Apr 30 | Oct 12 |
| 20% | Apr 23 | Oct 17 |
| 30% | Apr 18 | Oct 21 |
| 40% | Apr 15 | Oct 23 |
| 50% | Apr 11 | Oct 25 |
| 60% | Apr 8 | Oct 28 |
| 70% | Apr 6 | Oct 30 |
| 80% | Apr 3 | Nov 1 |
| 90% | Mar 31 | Nov 7 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 24 | Oct 15 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 11 | Oct 25 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 1 | Nov 5 |
Planting calendar for Columbus
Transplant Apr 18 – May 2
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Transplant Apr 18 – May 2
Sow or transplant Apr 18 – May 2
Sow or transplant Apr 18 – May 2
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 27
Fall sowing Aug 30 – Sep 20
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Sow or transplant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Sep 13
Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Aug 2 – Aug 16
Transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 2 – Aug 16
Fall sowing Aug 2 – Aug 16
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Oct 4
Fall sowing Aug 16 – Aug 30
Plant Mar 14 – Mar 28
Based on the average last frost (Apr 11) and first frost (Oct 25). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.