Frost Dates for Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Council Bluffs has 2 ZIP codes. The Council Bluffs, IA frost page lists all of them with their dates.

Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 7 · 165 frost-free days · USDA Zone 5b

Frost probability for 51501

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 9April 25April 11
Fall (first frost)September 23October 7October 22

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (9.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Month by month in Council Bluffs

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 25). 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 25. 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 7). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 7. 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 165-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Council Bluffs, IA (ZIP 51501)?

The median last spring frost date for Council Bluffs, IA (ZIP code 51501) 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 Council Bluffs, IA?

The median first fall frost date for Council Bluffs, IA is around October 7. 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 Council Bluffs, IA?

The frost-free growing season in Council Bluffs is about 165 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 Council Bluffs, IA?

Based on frost date patterns, Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs, IA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 25). For Council Bluffs, that's roughly February 29 to March 14. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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