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Allamakee County, IA — Planting Guide

Allamakee County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 804 ft, Allamakee County receives approximately 39.9 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 82°F with winter lows around 5°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.

🌡️ Zone

5a (-20°F to -15°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 2

🍂 First Frost

October 7

📅 Growing Season

158 days

⛰️ Elevation

804 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

39.9 in

Allamakee County, IA Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Allamakee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 5a Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 2 First Frost: Oct 7

Soil & Growing Conditions in Allamakee County

Soil Type

Silt Loam

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

Watering Needs

Moderate rainfall (39.9 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.

Season Tips

158-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 Allamakee County

105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Allamakee County.

Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 8 – Sep 12 80–100
Amaranth Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Oct 3 90–120
Arugula Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 30–50
Asparagus May 16 730–1095
Beets Apr 18 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 22 – Oct 17 110–150
Bitter Melon Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Aug 29 60–90
Black Beans May 9 Aug 8 – Sep 26 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 18 40–60
Broccoli Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 18 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Sep 26 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Sep 19 85–110
Cabbage Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 4 – Aug 29 60–100
Calabash Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Aug 8 – Oct 3 80–120
Carrots Apr 18 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Jul 25 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 29 55–100
Celeriac Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 15 – Sep 19 100–120
Celery Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 25 – Sep 19 80–120
Celtuce Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–90
Chard Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 15 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 25 – Sep 5 80–110
Chicory Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 4 – Aug 15 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Jul 25 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Aug 8 – Sep 12 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 29 55–75
Corn May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 5 60–100
Cowpeas May 9 Jul 11 – Aug 22 60–90
Cress Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 May 16 – Jun 6 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 4 – Aug 1 45–60
Crosne Apr 18 Jul 29 Sep 19 – Oct 3 150–200
Cucumber Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 5 50–70
Daikon Apr 18 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 11 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 8 – Sep 12 80–100
Edamame May 9 Jul 25 – Sep 5 75–100
Eggplant Feb 21 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Sep 26 65–85
Endive Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Jul 25 45–65
Escarole Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Jul 25 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 18 – Aug 29 75–100
Fennel Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Aug 29 60–90
Garlic Aug 26 Nov 25 – Feb 10 90–240
Green Beans May 9 Jul 4 – Aug 29 50–65
Horseradish May 16 Sep 19 – Oct 31 120–180
Hot Peppers Feb 21 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 31 70–120
Hubbard Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 29 – Oct 3 100–120
Kabocha Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Sep 12 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Jul 18 45–60
Kale Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–70
Kidney Beans May 9 Aug 8 – Sep 12 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Jul 25 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Jul 11 35–50
Leeks Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Oct 17 90–150
Lentils Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 25 – Sep 5 80–110
Lettuce Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 15 30–60
Lima Beans May 9 Jul 11 – Aug 22 60–90
Mache Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 18 40–60
Melon Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Sep 12 70–100
Microgreens Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 May 9 – Jun 6 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Aug 15 50–70
Mizuna Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Jul 4 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 1 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 8 55–70
Okra Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 5 50–65
Onion Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 11 40–55
Parsnip Apr 18 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Sep 12 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 4 – Aug 1 45–60
Peas Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 22 55–70
Peppers Feb 21 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Sep 26 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 5 55–70
Potatoes Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 3 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Oct 3 85–120
Purslane Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 18 40–60
Radicchio Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 4 – Aug 8 60–80
Radish Apr 18 Jul 29 May 16 – Jun 6 22–35
Rhubarb May 23 365–730
Romanesco Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 18 – Aug 29 75–100
Rutabaga Apr 18 Jul 29 Jul 11 – Aug 15 80–100
Salsify Apr 18 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Sep 12 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jul 11 – Sep 5 70–110
Scallions Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Jul 25 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Aug 22 60–80
Shallot Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Aug 1 – Sep 19 90–120
Shiso Mar 14 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 5 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 5 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 22 50–65
Soybeans May 9 Aug 1 – Sep 26 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Sep 12 85–100
Spinach Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 4 – Sep 5 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Aug 8 – Oct 3 80–120
Sunchoke May 16 Sep 5 – Oct 31 110–150
Sweet Corn May 9 Jul 11 – Aug 22 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Oct 3 90–120
Tatsoi Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Jul 11 35–50
Tomatillo Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Sep 26 60–85
Tomatoes Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 18 – Sep 26 60–85
Turnip Apr 18 Jul 29 May 30 – Jul 4 40–60
Watercress Mar 28 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 29 Jun 13 – Jul 18 40–60
Watermelon Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Sep 12 70–100
Wax Beans May 9 Jul 4 – Aug 29 50–65
Winter Melon Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Aug 15 – Oct 3 90–120
Yard Long Beans Mar 7 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 22 55–80
Zucchini Mar 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 4 – Aug 29 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Allamakee County

27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Allamakee County.

Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries May 23 Aug 22 – Nov 7 90–180
Aronia May 23 730–1095
Blackberries May 23 365–730
Blueberries May 23 730–1095
Boysenberries May 23 365–730
Cantaloupe May 23 Aug 1 – Sep 5 70–90
Che Fruit May 23 1095–1825
Cranberries May 23 730–1095
Currants May 23 730–1095
Elderberries May 23 730–1095
Goji Berries May 23 730–1095
Gooseberries May 23 730–1095
Grapes May 23 730–1095
Ground Cherry May 23 Aug 1 – Sep 26 65–80
Hardy Kiwi May 23 1095–1825
Haskaps May 23 730–1095
Honeydew May 23 Aug 15 – Sep 26 80–110
Jostaberry May 23 730–1095
Lingonberries May 23 730–1095
Medlar May 23 1095–1825
Mulberries May 23 730–1825
Pawpaw May 23 1095–2555
Persimmon May 23 1095–2555
Quince May 23 1095–1825
Raspberries May 23 365–730
Serviceberries May 23 730–1095
Strawberries May 23 Aug 22 – Nov 7 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Allamakee County

34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Allamakee County.

Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 365–730
Anise Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jul 25 – Oct 10 90–120
Basil Mar 14 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 12 50–75
Bee Balm May 9 Aug 8 – Oct 24 90–120
Borage Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 20 – Aug 8 50–60
Caraway Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 365–450
Catnip May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 12 60–80
Chamomile Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Chervil Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 40–60
Chives May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Cilantro Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 40–60
Comfrey May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Cumin Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Aug 8 – Oct 10 100–120
Dill Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 40–60
Epazote Mar 14 May 9 May 16 Jul 4 – Aug 29 45–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Sep 5 60–90
Feverfew May 9 Aug 8 – Oct 24 90–120
Garlic Chives May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Horehound May 9 Jul 25 – Sep 19 75–90
Hyssop May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 19 70–90
Lemon Balm May 9 Jul 11 – Aug 29 60–70
Lemon Thyme May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 19 70–90
Lovage May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 19 70–90
Mint May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Oregano May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Parsley Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 27 – Aug 29 60–80
Rue May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 19 70–90
Sage May 9 Jul 25 – Sep 19 75–90
Savory May 9 Jul 4 – Aug 29 50–70
Sorrel Mar 28 Apr 18 Apr 25 Jul 29 Jun 6 – Aug 8 40–60
Tarragon May 9 Jul 11 – Sep 19 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 14 May 9 May 16 Jul 11 – Sep 12 50–75
Thyme May 9 Jul 18 – Sep 19 70–90
Valerian May 9 Sep 12 – Oct 24 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Allamakee County

51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Allamakee County.

Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Mar 14 May 9 May 9 Jul 4 – Sep 26 60–75
Alliums Aug 26 Sep 30 – Oct 28 28–42
Anemones Apr 4 May 2 Jun 13 – Jul 11 90–120
Astilbe Feb 28 May 16 Aug 1 – Oct 3 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 21 Apr 11 May 2 Jul 4 – Sep 12 60–90
Begonias Feb 21 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Feb 28 May 2 May 16 Aug 1 – Oct 31 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Feb 28 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 22 60–90
Calendula Mar 21 Apr 11 May 2 Jun 20 – Sep 12 50–70
Celosia Mar 28 May 16 May 16 Jul 18 – Oct 17 60–90
Columbine Feb 28 May 16 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 22 70–100
Coreopsis Feb 28 May 9 May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 31 60–80
Cosmos Apr 4 May 9 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 60–90
Crocus Aug 26 Jul 8 – Jul 29 10–20
Daffodils Aug 26 Jul 15 – Aug 5 20–40
Dahlias Apr 4 May 9 May 9 Aug 1 – Oct 24 70–120
Daylily Feb 28 May 16 Aug 8 – Oct 31 60–90
Dianthus Feb 28 Apr 4 Apr 18 Jun 6 – Aug 22 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Feb 28 May 16 May 16 Aug 8 – Oct 31 70–90
Foxglove Feb 28 May 16 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 22 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Mar 7 May 16 May 16 Jul 25 – Nov 14 70–100
Geraniums Feb 21 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 70–100
Gladiolus May 9 May 9 Aug 1 – Oct 24 70–100
Hostas Feb 21 May 16 Aug 8 – Oct 31 60–90
Hyacinths Aug 26 Aug 5 – Sep 2 14–28
Hydrangeas Feb 21 May 16 Aug 1 – Oct 17 90–150
Impatiens Mar 7 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 60–75
Irises Division May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 15 60–100
Larkspur Apr 4 Jun 13 – Aug 8 60–90
Lavender Feb 21 May 23 Aug 1 – Sep 12 90–120
Lilies Division May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 17 70–120
Lobelia Feb 21 Apr 25 Jun 20 – Aug 29 70–80
Lupine Feb 28 May 16 May 16 Jul 11 – Aug 22 75–100
Marigolds Mar 21 May 9 May 9 Jul 4 – Sep 26 50–70
Nasturtium Apr 4 May 9 May 9 Jul 4 – Oct 10 55–65
Pansy Feb 21 May 2 Jun 27 – Aug 22 70–90
Peonies Division May 16 Jul 25 – Sep 5 90–120
Petunia Mar 7 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 70–90
Phlox Feb 28 May 16 May 16 Aug 1 – Oct 17 80–110
Portulaca Mar 28 May 16 May 16 Jul 4 – Oct 3 50–70
Roses Feb 21 May 16 Aug 1 – Oct 31 90–180
Salvia Feb 28 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Feb 28 May 16 Sep 12 – Nov 14 60–90
Snapdragon Feb 21 Apr 18 May 2 Jul 11 – Sep 12 70–100
Sunflower Apr 11 May 9 May 9 Aug 1 – Oct 10 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 14 Apr 18 May 2 Jun 13 – Aug 22 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 21 Mar 28 May 2 Jul 18 – Sep 19 65–85
Tulips Aug 26 Jul 29 – Aug 19 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 14 May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 10 70–90
Yarrow Feb 28 May 2 May 16 Jul 25 – Oct 31 60–90
Zinnia Apr 4 May 9 May 9 Jul 18 – Oct 10 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Allamakee County

Gardening Guides & Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Allamakee County, IA?

Allamakee County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. 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 Allamakee County, IA?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Allamakee County falls around May 2. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Allamakee County, IA?

The median first fall frost in Allamakee County arrives around October 7. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Allamakee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Allamakee County (Zone 5a). 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 Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting

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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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Seed Saving & Storage Guide

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Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.

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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: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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