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Clinton County, IN — Planting Guide

Clinton County is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 1,116 ft, Clinton County receives approximately 39.8 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 86°F with winter lows around 20°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.

🌡️ Zone

6a (-10°F to -5°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

April 22

🍂 First Frost

October 17

📅 Growing Season

178 days

⛰️ Elevation

1,116 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

39.8 in

Clinton County, IN Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 6a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 22 First Frost: Oct 17

Soil & Growing Conditions in Clinton County

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.

Watering Needs

Moderate rainfall (39.8 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.

Season Tips

178-day frost-free season

Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.

Your Free Printable Garden Planner

Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.

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Recommended for Your Garden

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

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Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Clinton County

107 vegetables that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Clinton County.

Show all 107 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 29 – Sep 2 80–100
Amaranth Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 23 90–120
Arugula Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 30–50
Asparagus May 6 730–1095
Beets Apr 8 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 1 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Aug 12 – Oct 7 110–150
Bitter Melon Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Aug 19 60–90
Black Beans Apr 29 Jul 29 – Sep 16 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 8 40–60
Broccoli Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 24 – Aug 5 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 8 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Sep 16 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 9 85–110
Cabbage Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 24 – Aug 19 60–100
Calabash Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 29 – Sep 23 80–120
Carrots Apr 8 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Jul 15 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 19 55–100
Celeriac Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Aug 5 – Sep 9 100–120
Celery Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 15 – Sep 9 80–120
Celtuce Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 24 – Aug 5 60–90
Chard Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 5 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 15 – Aug 26 80–110
Chicory Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 24 – Aug 5 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Jul 15 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 29 – Sep 2 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 19 55–75
Corn Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 26 60–100
Cowpeas Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 12 60–90
Cress Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 6 – May 27 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 24 – Jul 22 45–60
Crosne Apr 8 Aug 8 Sep 9 – Oct 21 150–200
Cucumber Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 26 50–70
Daikon Apr 8 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 1 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 29 – Sep 2 80–100
Edamame Apr 29 Jul 15 – Aug 26 75–100
Eggplant Feb 11 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 15 – Sep 16 65–85
Endive Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Jul 15 45–65
Escarole Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Jul 15 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 8 – Aug 19 75–100
Fennel Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Aug 19 60–90
Garlic Sep 5 Dec 5 – Mar 20 90–240
Green Beans Apr 29 Jun 24 – Aug 19 50–65
Horseradish May 6 Sep 9 – Nov 18 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 11 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 15 – Oct 21 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 19 – Sep 23 100–120
Kabocha Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 2 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Jul 8 45–60
Kale Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 12 50–70
Kidney Beans Apr 29 Jul 29 – Sep 2 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Jul 15 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 1 35–50
Leeks Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Oct 7 90–150
Lentils Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 15 – Aug 26 80–110
Lettuce Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Aug 5 30–60
Lima Beans Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 12 60–90
Loofah Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 19 – Oct 21 100–150
Luffa Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Oct 21 90–150
Mache Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 8 40–60
Melon Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 15 – Sep 2 70–100
Microgreens Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Apr 29 – May 27 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Aug 5 50–70
Mizuna Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jun 24 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Jul 22 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Jul 29 55–70
Okra Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 26 50–65
Onion Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Sep 9 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 1 40–55
Parsnip Apr 8 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Sep 2 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 24 – Jul 22 45–60
Peas Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 12 55–70
Peppers Feb 11 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Sep 16 60–90
Pole Beans Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 26 55–70
Potatoes Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 15 – Sep 23 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 23 85–120
Purslane Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 8 40–60
Radicchio Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 24 – Jul 29 60–80
Radish Apr 8 Aug 8 May 6 – May 27 22–35
Rhubarb May 13 365–730
Romanesco Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 8 – Aug 19 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 8 Aug 8 Jul 1 – Aug 5 80–100
Salsify Apr 8 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Sep 2 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 1 – Aug 26 70–110
Scallions Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Jul 15 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Aug 12 60–80
Shallot Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jul 22 – Sep 9 90–120
Shiso Mar 4 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 26 50–70
Snap Peas Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 26 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 12 50–65
Soybeans Apr 29 Jul 22 – Sep 16 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 2 85–100
Spinach Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 24 – Aug 26 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 29 – Sep 23 80–120
Sunchoke May 6 Aug 26 – Oct 21 110–150
Sweet Corn Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 12 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 23 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 1 35–50
Tomatillo Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Sep 16 60–85
Tomatoes Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 8 – Sep 16 60–85
Turnip Apr 8 Aug 8 May 20 – Jun 24 40–60
Watercress Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 22 Aug 8 Jun 3 – Jul 8 40–60
Watermelon Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 15 – Sep 2 70–100
Wax Beans Apr 29 Jun 24 – Aug 19 50–65
Winter Melon Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Aug 5 – Sep 23 90–120
Yard Long Beans Feb 25 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 12 55–80
Zucchini Mar 18 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 24 – Aug 19 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Clinton County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Clinton County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 13 Aug 12 – Nov 25 90–180
Aronia May 13 730–1095
Blackberries May 13 365–730
Blueberries May 13 730–1095
Boysenberries May 13 365–730
Cantaloupe May 13 Jul 22 – Aug 26 70–90
Che Fruit May 13 1095–1825
Cranberries May 13 730–1095
Currants May 13 730–1095
Elderberries May 13 730–1095
Goji Berries May 13 730–1095
Gooseberries May 13 730–1095
Grapes May 13 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 13 Jul 22 – Sep 16 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 13 1095–1825
Haskaps May 13 730–1095
Honeydew May 13 Aug 5 – Sep 16 80–110
Jostaberry May 13 730–1095
Lingonberries May 13 730–1095
Medlar May 13 1095–1825
Mulberries May 13 730–1825
Pawpaw May 13 1095–2555
Persimmon May 13 1095–2555
Quince May 13 1095–1825
Raspberries May 13 365–730
Serviceberries May 13 730–1095
Strawberries May 13 Aug 12 – Nov 25 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Clinton County

35 herbs that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Clinton County.

Show all 35 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 365–730
Anise Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jul 15 – Sep 30 90–120
Basil Mar 4 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Sep 2 50–75
Bee Balm Apr 29 Jul 29 – Oct 14 90–120
Borage Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jun 10 – Jul 29 50–60
Caraway Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 365–450
Catnip Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 2 60–80
Chamomile Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 26 60–90
Chervil Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 40–60
Chives Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Cilantro Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 40–60
Comfrey Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Cumin Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jul 29 – Sep 30 100–120
Dill Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 40–60
Epazote Mar 4 Apr 29 May 6 Jun 24 – Aug 19 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 26 60–90
Feverfew Apr 29 Jul 29 – Oct 14 90–120
Garlic Chives Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Horehound Apr 29 Jul 15 – Sep 9 75–90
Hyssop Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 9 70–90
Lemon Balm Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 19 60–70
Lemon Thyme Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 9 70–90
Lovage Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 9 70–90
Marjoram Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Mint Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Oregano Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Parsley Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 Jun 17 – Aug 19 60–80
Rue Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 9 70–90
Sage Apr 29 Jul 15 – Sep 9 75–90
Savory Apr 29 Jun 24 – Aug 19 50–70
Sorrel Mar 18 Apr 8 Apr 15 Aug 8 May 27 – Jul 29 40–60
Tarragon Apr 29 Jul 1 – Sep 9 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 4 Apr 29 May 6 Jul 1 – Sep 2 50–75
Thyme Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 9 70–90
Valerian Apr 29 Sep 2 – Nov 11 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Clinton County

53 flowers that grow well in Zone 6a with planting dates for Clinton County.

Show all 53 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Mar 4 Apr 22 Apr 22 Jun 17 – Sep 23 60–75
Alliums Sep 5 Oct 3 – Oct 31 28–42
Anemones Mar 25 Apr 22 May 27 – Jun 24 90–120
Astilbe Feb 18 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 16 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 11 Mar 25 Apr 22 Sep 5 Jun 24 – Sep 9 60–90
Begonias Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 7 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Feb 18 Apr 22 Apr 29 Jul 15 – Oct 28 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Feb 18 Apr 29 Jun 24 – Jul 29 60–90
Calendula Mar 11 Mar 25 Apr 22 Jun 10 – Sep 9 50–70
California Poppy Mar 25 Jun 3 – Jul 15 60–90
Celosia Mar 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 1 – Oct 14 60–90
Columbine Feb 18 May 6 May 6 Jul 1 – Aug 5 70–100
Coreopsis Feb 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 28 60–80
Cosmos Mar 25 Apr 22 Apr 22 Jul 1 – Oct 7 60–90
Crocus Sep 5 Jul 25 – Aug 15 10–20
Daffodils Sep 5 Aug 1 – Aug 22 20–40
Dahlias Mar 25 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 15 – Oct 28 70–120
Daylily Feb 18 Apr 29 Jul 15 – Oct 28 60–90
Dianthus Feb 25 Mar 25 Apr 8 May 27 – Aug 26 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Feb 18 May 6 May 6 Jul 29 – Nov 4 70–90
Foxglove Feb 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jun 24 – Jul 29 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Mar 4 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Nov 11 70–100
Geraniums Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 7 70–100
Gladiolus Apr 22 Apr 22 Jul 8 – Oct 21 70–100
Hostas Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 15 – Oct 28 60–90
Hyacinths Sep 5 Aug 22 – Sep 12 14–28
Hydrangeas Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 90–150
Impatiens Feb 25 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 60–75
Irises Division Apr 29 Jun 24 – Jul 22 60–100
Larkspur Mar 25 Jun 3 – Jul 29 60–90
Lavender Feb 11 May 6 Jul 15 – Sep 9 90–120
Lilies Division Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 70–120
Lobelia Feb 18 Apr 8 Jun 3 – Aug 26 70–80
Lupine Feb 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jun 24 – Jul 29 75–100
Marigolds Mar 11 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jun 24 – Sep 23 50–70
Nasturtium Mar 25 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jun 24 – Oct 14 55–65
Pansy Feb 11 Apr 22 Aug 22 Jun 17 – Aug 19 70–90
Peonies Division Apr 29 Jul 1 – Aug 5 90–120
Petunia Feb 25 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 70–90
Phlox Feb 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Sep 30 80–110
Portulaca Mar 18 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jun 17 – Sep 30 50–70
Ranunculus Mar 11 Apr 22 Jun 3 – Jul 1 90–120
Roses Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 28 90–180
Salvia Feb 18 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Feb 18 Apr 29 Aug 19 – Nov 4 60–90
Snapdragon Feb 11 Apr 1 Apr 22 Jul 1 – Sep 9 70–100
Sunflower Apr 1 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 22 – Oct 14 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 4 Apr 1 Apr 22 Jun 3 – Aug 12 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 11 Mar 18 Apr 22 Jul 8 – Sep 16 65–85
Tulips Sep 5 Aug 15 – Sep 12 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 11 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 70–90
Yarrow Feb 18 Apr 22 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 28 60–90
Zinnia Mar 25 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 8 – Oct 14 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Clinton County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Clinton County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Clinton County, IN?

Clinton County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.

When is the last frost in Clinton County, IN?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Clinton County falls around April 22. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Clinton County, IN?

The median first fall frost in Clinton County arrives around October 17. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.