Frost Dates for Columbia, MO 65203

Last spring frost April 9 · First fall frost October 22 · 196 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b

Frost probability for 65203

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 20April 9March 29
Fall (first frost)October 5October 22November 9

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (32.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Columbia, MO

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
65203April 9October 226b
65201April 11October 186b
65202April 11October 216b
65215April 11October 18Zone 6b
65216April 11October 186b

Month by month in Columbia

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 9). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 9. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 196-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Columbia, MO (ZIP 65203)?

The median last spring frost date for Columbia, MO (ZIP code 65203) is around April 9. 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 Columbia, MO?

The median first fall frost date for Columbia, MO is around October 22. 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 Columbia, MO?

The frost-free growing season in Columbia is about 196 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 Columbia, MO?

Based on frost date patterns, Columbia falls approximately in 6b. 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 Columbia, MO?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 9). For Columbia, that's roughly February 13 to February 27. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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