Monroe County, IA — Planting Guide
Monroe County is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 968 ft, Monroe County receives approximately 32.5 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 87°F with winter lows around 11°F. The predominant soil type is Silt Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 26
🍂 First Frost
October 13
📅 Growing Season
170 days
⛰️ Elevation
968 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
32.5 in
Monroe County, IA
Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost
April 26
➔
170 growing days
➔
First Fall Frost
October 13
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Zone 5b
Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Apr 26
First Frost: Oct 13
Soil & Growing Conditions in Monroe County
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (32.5 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
170-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 Monroe County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 10 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Aug 16 – Oct 11 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 3 | — | — | Aug 2 – Sep 20 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Aug 9 – Sep 13 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 9 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 10 – May 31 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 15 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 20 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Dec 1 – Feb 16 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 3 | — | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 10 | — | Sep 13 – Oct 25 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 15 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 25 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 6 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Jul 12 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 3 | — | — | Aug 2 – Sep 6 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Jul 5 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 9 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 6 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 3 – May 31 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Aug 9 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Jun 28 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Jul 26 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 2 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 15 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 27 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | May 10 – May 31 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Jul 19 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Aug 16 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 8 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 30 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 16 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 6 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 30 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Sep 27 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 10 | — | Aug 30 – Oct 25 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 3 | — | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Jul 5 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 20 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 12 | — | Aug 4 | May 24 – Jun 28 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | Aug 4 | Jun 7 – Jul 12 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 6 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 3 | — | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 27 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Monroe County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Aug 30 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 20 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 9 – Sep 20 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 17 | — | Aug 16 – Nov 1 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Monroe County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jul 19 – Oct 4 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 8 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 3 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jun 14 – Aug 2 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Aug 2 – Oct 4 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 8 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 3 | — | Aug 2 – Oct 18 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 23 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 19 – Sep 13 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 3 | — | Jun 28 – Aug 23 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 22 | Apr 12 | Apr 19 | Aug 4 | May 31 – Aug 2 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 8 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 6 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 3 | — | Sep 6 – Oct 18 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Monroe County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5b with planting dates for Monroe County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 8 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jun 28 – Sep 27 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Oct 6 – Oct 27 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Mar 29 | — | Apr 26 | — | May 31 – Jun 28 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 4 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 15 | Apr 5 | Apr 26 | — | Jun 28 – Sep 13 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 15 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 4 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 22 | Apr 26 | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 15 | Apr 5 | Apr 26 | — | Jun 14 – Sep 13 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 5 – Oct 11 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 22 | May 3 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Nov 1 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Mar 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 26 | — | Jul 5 – Oct 4 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 25 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 22 | Mar 29 | Apr 12 | — | May 31 – Aug 23 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 1 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 1 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Nov 1 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 15 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 4 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 25 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 15 | — | May 10 | — | Aug 2 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 15 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 18 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 1 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 11 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 9 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Mar 29 | — | — | Jun 7 – Aug 2 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 15 | — | May 17 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 13 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Oct 18 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 15 | — | Apr 19 | — | Jun 14 – Aug 30 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 5 – Aug 16 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 15 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jun 28 – Sep 27 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jun 28 – Oct 11 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 15 | — | Apr 26 | — | Jun 21 – Aug 23 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 30 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 1 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 22 | May 10 | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 18 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 22 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jun 21 – Sep 27 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 15 | — | May 10 | — | Jul 26 – Nov 1 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 22 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 11 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 22 | — | May 10 | — | Sep 6 – Nov 15 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | — | Jul 5 – Sep 13 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 5 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 26 – Oct 11 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 8 | Apr 12 | Apr 26 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 16 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Apr 26 | — | Jul 12 – Sep 13 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Sep 1 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 8 | — | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 4 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 22 | Apr 26 | May 10 | — | Jul 19 – Nov 1 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Mar 29 | May 3 | May 3 | — | Jul 12 – Oct 11 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Monroe County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Monroe County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Monroe County, IA?
Monroe County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. 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 Monroe County, IA?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Monroe County falls around April 26. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Monroe County, IA?
The median first fall frost in Monroe County arrives around October 13. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 5b). 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