Albia 3 NNE, IA Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Albia 3 NNE garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
Apr 24
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 16
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
175 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5b
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 8 Apr 24 May 9
First fall frost Oct 28 Oct 16 Sep 29
Hard freeze (28°F), median last Apr 12 · first Oct 26

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the ALBIA 3 NNE station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Albia 3 NNE

Computed from Albia 3 NNE's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Feb 27 – Mar 13 May 1 – May 8
🫑 Peppers Feb 13 – Feb 27 May 8 – May 15
🥬 Lettuce Mar 13 – Mar 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10 Mar 27 – Apr 24
🫛 Peas Mar 13 – Mar 27
🥕 Carrots Apr 3 – Apr 24
🥦 Broccoli Mar 6 – Mar 20 Apr 3 – Apr 17
🥬 Kale Mar 13 – Mar 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10 Mar 27 – Apr 10
🥒 Cucumbers Mar 27 – Apr 3 May 1 – May 8 May 1 – May 8
🥒 Zucchini Mar 27 – Apr 3 May 1 – May 8 May 1 – May 8
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 1 – May 8
🌽 Sweet Corn May 1 – May 8
🌿 Basil Mar 13 – Mar 27 May 1 – May 8 May 8 – May 15
🧄 Garlic Fall: Sep 4 – Oct 2

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Albia 3 NNE's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Albia 3 NNE

Roughly 175 frost-free days gives Albia 3 NNE gardeners room for nearly every common vegetable. Warm-season crops go out after Apr 24; a fall garden sown in late summer matures comfortably before the Oct 16 frost.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Albia 3 NNE, IA?

The average last spring frost in Albia 3 NNE is around Apr 24, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Albia 3 NNE, IA?

The average first fall frost in Albia 3 NNE arrives around Oct 16. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Albia 3 NNE?

About 175 frost-free days on average, from Apr 24 to Oct 16. That fits nearly all common vegetables, though the longest-season melons and sweet potatoes benefit from transplants.

What USDA zone is Albia 3 NNE in?

USDA zone 5b on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.