When to Plant in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis sits at the crossroads of climates — hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 95–100°F and cold winters with occasional ice storms. Zone 6b gives you a last frost around April 7 and a first fall frost around October 29, for about 200 frost-free days.

Spring and fall are the sweet spots for St. Louis gardening. A fast spring pushes from cool to hot quickly, so get warm-season crops in promptly after April 7. Fall is often excellent with warm days and cool nights through October. Summer heat requires heat-tolerant varieties and consistent watering.

FAQ

When is the last frost date in St. Louis, MO?

St. Louis's average last frost date is around April 7. Start warm-season seeds indoors in mid-February and transplant outdoors after the first week of April.

What vegetables grow best in St. Louis?

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and cucumbers thrive in spring. Fall is excellent for broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and spinach. Cool-season crops do well in both spring and fall.

How do I handle St. Louis's summer heat and humidity?

Mulch heavily, water at the base of plants in the morning, and choose heat-tolerant varieties. Summer is also prime time for okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas.

Is fall gardening good in St. Louis?

Yes — fall is often the best season. Plant brassicas in August for September–November harvests. The warm days and cool nights produce outstanding crops of kale, broccoli, and lettuce.

How does Plan My Garden help St. Louis gardeners?

Enter your St. Louis zip code and we'll generate a full week-by-week planting schedule for every crop — built around your exact frost dates.

Frost dates for St. Louis ZIP codes

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