When to Plant Garlic in Des Moines County, IA
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 606 feet, Des Moines County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.
Des Moines County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Garlic Planting Timeline — Des Moines County, IA
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
182 days
Growing Tips for Des Moines County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Des Moines County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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