When to Plant Vegetables in Tipton, IA

Cole crops (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, spinach): Direct seed around March 20 if ground is workable. For better results, start indoors around February 21 and transplant around April 11.

Onions, potatoes, and peas: Plant around March 2. If ground is frozen, plant immediately after thaw.

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants: Start indoors around February 21. Transplant around April 27 after last frost.

Warm-season crops (beans, corn, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, gourds, sunflowers): Direct seed around May 1 when soil temperature reaches 60°F.

Note: This location has a shorter growing season. Start warm-season crops indoors around April 11 and transplant after frost danger passes.

Fall planting requires working backward from the first frost date (October 6) to ensure crops mature before winter. Check seed packets for "Days to Harvest" as timing varies by variety.

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants: Require approximately 100 days to harvest. Transplant by June 28.

Garlic: Plant around August 22 when soil temperature reaches 60°F at 4-inch depth. Separate cloves and plant 3-4 inches deep. Regional timing varies.

Cole crops (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, spinach): Direct seed around July 28. Due to summer heat, starting indoors around June 8 and transplanting around July 18 yields better results.

Peas: Direct sow around July 23.

Warm-season crops (beans, corn, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, gourds, sunflowers): Direct seed around June 23.