Howe, ID Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Howe garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 24
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Sep 14
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
113 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5b
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost May 6 May 24 Jun 14
First fall frost Sep 28 Sep 14 Sep 1
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 5 · first Sep 25

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the HOWE station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Howe

Computed from Howe's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 29 – Apr 12 May 31 – Jun 7
🫑 Peppers Mar 15 – Mar 29 Jun 7 – Jun 14
🥬 Lettuce Apr 12 – Apr 26 Apr 26 – May 10 Apr 26 – May 24
🫛 Peas Apr 12 – Apr 26
🥕 Carrots May 3 – May 24
🥦 Broccoli Apr 5 – Apr 19 May 3 – May 17
🥬 Kale Apr 12 – Apr 26 Apr 26 – May 10 Apr 26 – May 10
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 26 – May 3 May 31 – Jun 7 May 31 – Jun 7
🥒 Zucchini Apr 26 – May 3 May 31 – Jun 7 May 31 – Jun 7
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 31 – Jun 7
🌽 Sweet Corn May 31 – Jun 7
🌿 Basil Apr 12 – Apr 26 May 31 – Jun 7 Jun 7 – Jun 14
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 3 – Aug 31

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Howe's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Howe

At about 113 frost-free days, Howe rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Howe, ID?

The average last spring frost in Howe is around May 24, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Howe, ID?

The average first fall frost in Howe arrives around Sep 14. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Howe?

About 113 frost-free days on average, from May 24 to Sep 14. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Howe in?

USDA zone 5b on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.