Frost Dates for West Des Moines, IA
In West Des Moines, IA, the average last spring frost is around Apr 18 and the average first fall frost around Oct 20, for a growing season of about 184 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 2, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Des Moines Intl. Airport, IA weather station, 7 miles away, elevation 957 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% | May 2 | Oct 4 |
| 20% | Apr 28 | Oct 10 |
| 30% | Apr 24 | Oct 14 |
| 40% | Apr 21 | Oct 17 |
| 50% | Apr 18 | Oct 20 |
| 60% | Apr 14 | Oct 23 |
| 70% | Apr 12 | Oct 25 |
| 80% | Apr 9 | Oct 28 |
| 90% | Apr 4 | Nov 1 |
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 29 | Oct 9 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 18 | Oct 20 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 8 | Oct 30 |
Planting calendar for West Des Moines
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 22
Fall sowing Aug 25 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Aug 25
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Sep 8
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Fall sowing Jul 28 – Aug 11
Fall sowing Sep 8 – Sep 29
Fall sowing Aug 11 – Aug 25
Plant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Based on the average last frost (Apr 18) and first frost (Oct 20). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.