State growing guide
Indiana Planting Guide
USDA Zone 5b/6a · Last frost Apr 25 · First frost Oct 18 · 176 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Indiana.
Frost Dates by City — Indiana
Average frost dates for major Indiana cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | 5b | Apr 22 | Oct 20 | ~2 wks after (Apr 22) |
| Fort Wayne | 5b | May 1 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (May 1) |
| South Bend | 5b | May 1 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (May 1) |
| Evansville | 6b | Apr 5 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Indiana Gardeners
- Indianapolis: transplant tomatoes mid-to-late May
- Southern Indiana (Evansville, Zone 6b) has a much longer season
- Indiana summers get hot enough for great sweet corn and watermelon
Common Challenges in Indiana
- ⚠ Late spring frosts extend into early May in northern Indiana
- ⚠ Clay soils in central Indiana — raised beds strongly recommended
Best Crops for Indiana
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Beans Cucumbers Zucchini Pumpkins Watermelon Potatoes
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Indiana
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana Gardening
What zone is Indiana?
Indiana is primarily Zones 5b–6a, with northern Indiana being Zone 5b and southern Indiana reaching Zone 6b.