Chickasaw County, IA — Planting Guide
Chickasaw County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,139 ft, Chickasaw County receives approximately 37.8 in of rainfall annually. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
May 3
🍂 First Frost
October 5
📅 Growing Season
155 days
⛰️ Elevation
1,139 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
37.8 in
Chickasaw County, IA
Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost
May 3
➔
155 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 5
Chickasaw 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 3
First Frost: Oct 5
Soil & Growing Conditions in Chickasaw County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (37.8 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
155-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.
Recommended for Your Garden
Soil Test Kit
$12-25
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Digital pH Meter
$10-20
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Organic Compost
$8-30
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Chickasaw County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chickasaw County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 23 – Oct 18 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 10 | — | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 20 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | May 17 – Jun 7 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Nov 23 – Feb 8 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 17 | — | Sep 20 – Nov 1 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 4 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 13 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 10 | — | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | May 10 – Jun 7 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 9 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | May 17 – Jun 7 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 23 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 6 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 10 | — | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 13 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 4 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 17 | — | Sep 6 – Nov 1 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 19 | — | Jul 27 | May 31 – Jul 5 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | May 3 | Jul 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 10 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 8 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 29 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Chickasaw County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chickasaw County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 8 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 24 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 27 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 24 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 24 | — | Aug 23 – Nov 8 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Chickasaw County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chickasaw County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Aug 9 – Oct 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Sep 6 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Oct 25 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 30 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 29 | Apr 19 | Apr 26 | Jul 27 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 10 | — | Sep 13 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Chickasaw County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Chickasaw County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 15 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 27 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Sep 28 – Oct 26 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 5 | — | May 3 | — | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Mar 1 | — | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 4 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Mar 1 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | May 3 | — | Jun 21 – Sep 13 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 29 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 18 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Mar 1 | May 10 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 5 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Jul 13 – Aug 3 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 5 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 25 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Mar 1 | — | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Mar 1 | Apr 5 | Apr 19 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 23 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 1 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 8 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 15 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 10 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 25 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 22 | — | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 22 | — | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 8 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 5 | — | — | Jun 14 – Aug 9 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 22 | — | May 24 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 13 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 18 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 22 | — | Apr 26 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 30 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 27 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 5 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Oct 11 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 22 | — | May 3 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 8 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Mar 1 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 29 | May 17 | May 17 | — | Jul 5 – Oct 4 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 22 | — | May 17 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Mar 1 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Mar 1 | — | May 17 | — | Sep 13 – Nov 15 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 22 | Apr 19 | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 12 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 11 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 15 | Apr 19 | May 3 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 23 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 22 | Mar 29 | May 3 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 24 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 15 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 5 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 11 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Chickasaw County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Chickasaw County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Chickasaw County, IA?
Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw County, IA?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Chickasaw County falls around May 3. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Chickasaw County, IA?
The median first fall frost in Chickasaw County arrives around October 5. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Chickasaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chickasaw 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.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
$27
$293 value
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
$27
$157 value
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.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
$27
$210 value
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.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log