Frost Dates for Bondurant, IA 50035
Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 6 · 164 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b
Frost probability for 50035
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 7 | April 25 | April 13 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 23 | October 6 | October 21 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (15.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Bondurant
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 25). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 25. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 6). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 6. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 164-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Bondurant, IA (ZIP 50035)?
The median last spring frost date for Bondurant, IA (ZIP code 50035) is around April 25. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Bondurant, IA?
The median first fall frost date for Bondurant, IA is around October 6. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Bondurant, IA?
The frost-free growing season in Bondurant is about 164 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Bondurant, IA?
Based on frost date patterns, Bondurant falls approximately in 5b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Bondurant, IA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 25). For Bondurant, that's roughly February 29 to March 14. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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