Blockton, IA frost dates
How Blockton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Blockton falls between April 11 and May 7, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 29 and October 26.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 173-day growing season is longer than 77% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 7 days earlier than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 138 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Saint Joseph, MO, 101 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 11 |
| 50% (median) | April 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 29 |
| 50% (median) | October 14 |
| 90% (late) | October 26 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Blockton, IA
Blockton, IA frost dates — last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 14, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Blockton, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Mar 27 – May 1 | Aug 19 – Sep 16 |
| Kale | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Okra | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Basil | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 20 – May 1 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 30 – Nov 4 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Grant City, MO weather station, 17 km away (elevation 1,129 ft (344 m)).
Frost dates near Blockton
- Redding Apr 24 · Oct 14
- Benton Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Clearfield Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Bedford Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Sharpsburg Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Mount Ayr Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Diagonal Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Gravity Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Lenox Apr 27 · Oct 12
- New Market Apr 25 · Oct 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Blockton, IA?
The median last spring frost in Blockton, IA is April 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Blockton, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Blockton, IA?
About 173 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Blockton, IA?
Blockton, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.