Thurman, IA frost dates
How Thurman compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Thurman falls between April 5 and May 2, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 1 and October 31.
- The median last frost is 9 days earlier than the Iowa median of Apr 28.
- Its 183-day growing season is longer than 92% of the 934 Iowa places with a regular frost season (state median 165 days).
- The last frost is 12 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 134 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bellevue, NE, 37 km away, the last frost here is 2 days later than there and the growing season is 2 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 5 |
| 50% (median) | April 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 1 |
| 50% (median) | October 19 |
| 90% (late) | October 31 |
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 Thurman, IA
Thurman, IA frost dates — last frost Apr 19, first frost Oct 19, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Thurman, IA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Mar 22 – Apr 26 | Aug 24 – Sep 21 |
| Kale | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 10 – Aug 31 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 13 – Aug 3 |
| Okra | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Basil | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 26 | Sep 7 – Sep 28 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Aug 24 – Sep 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 3 – May 24 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 5 – Nov 9 |
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 Sidney 1sse, IA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 1,142 ft (348 m)).
Frost dates near Thurman
- Tabor Apr 23 · Oct 11
- Percival Apr 18 · Oct 19
- Sidney Apr 19 · Oct 19
- Randolph Apr 19 · Oct 19
- Pacific Junction Apr 23 · Oct 11
- Glenwood Apr 23 · Oct 11
- Malvern Apr 23 · Oct 11
- Riverton Apr 19 · Oct 19
- Farragut Apr 20 · Oct 17
- Imogene Apr 20 · Oct 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Thurman, IA?
The median last spring frost in Thurman, IA is April 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Thurman, IA?
The median first fall frost is October 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Thurman, IA?
About 183 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Thurman, IA?
Thurman, IA is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.