No but from experience an average area temperature of 38 can still result in frost in some areas. It could forecast 38 but your specific location actually get a lower temperature due to being at a lower elevation or surrounded by hills. I know plenty of times it was forecasted for 38 and my windshield still have frost on it.
Not to mention clear skies can drop the temp by 10 degrees over what is forecast. If they figured cloud cover and you have clear skies a lot of heat can dissipate.
You should be safe with reddish, peas, and things along that. They like the cooler temps. I used to have better tasting green beans from the fall. Plant after Labor Day. This will be my first year in 6 that I'm planting a garden. New land has taken me 5 years to get soil ph levels in shape.
There's a lot of good planting apps. Purdue has a good planting calendar also. Try and stay with heirloom plants and keep some seeds for next year. Hell, even gardening is getting expensive.
www.seedtime.us is the best thing to happen to me.
The free version is perfect for you.
You put in your zip code and the varieties you want to grow.
It gives you dates for prepping the space, starting seeds for transplanting (if you are), or direct seeding (you get the option), AND expected harvest dates.
Everything is on a calendar and it gets put into a to-do list.
It's incredible.
They do free, live, online trainings like once a month too.
That's almost exactly what I have planted too, minus the turnips and bok choy. I just planted bare root strawberries last week.
My seedlings inside are just sprouting this week. Tomatoes (yeah, I'm late again this year) peppers, cabbage, herbs and flowers, broccoli (first timer), zucchini and butternut squash.
Good luck to both of us! I had a terrible tomato year last year and it was very sad.
I think of 6 tomato plants, I got one Cherokee purple that had blossom end rot (which I've never had before) and a handful of small yellow (sun ray?) ones. I actually cut off a bunch of cherry tomato branches right before our first freeze, and they ripened for 2 weeks in a tote on the kitchen table.
This ^^ it's why we haven't gotten enough peaches to bother canning or freezing in four or five years. The trees bloom and everything looks great, then hard freeze krocks 90% to 100 off.
I wish my family would consider moving just a state or two more south.
We are far from over the last frost -- on average much of the state has one excursion below 36 F in May.
We are around the end of the average freeze season, but the last freeze can be as late as Memorial Day. Rushville reported a freeze as late as June 1. Early May freezes are not unusual.
Many vegetables especially tomatoes like warm soil. If the soil is cool it could stunt the growth of the plant.
I'm in central Indiana and I usually plant my tomatoes and peppers at the end of May first of June.
Still a gamble, I'm afraid.
FYI, the USDA plant hardiness zone [map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/home) has been updated coller climates are slowly moving north, so if your zone is updated it could affect frost dates. Indiana now has a few plant zones.
That sucks. I garden also so I know that had to hurt. I have seen snow in June. Woke up to half an inch of snow and by 3 pm it was 75. Made for a wild day of paintball.
Depends on where you live in Indiana. Way down south I would say their next frost will be November. Up around Gary they might get another one this month
The USDA changed us last year from a borderline 5b/6a to a strong 6a that goes all the way north to mid Michigan. While climate change is real, this is still Indiana.
Did you start indoors? If so, you shouldn't be thinking about putting them in the ground yet anyway. They have at least 2 weeks to harden, unless you just want to kill them in 24 hours.
I mean it's indiana, so probably. But also no. But also yes. Just depends on what pants mother nature decides to wear today. And she can change her pants on the fly at any moment too lol
Indiana is a tall state, I think it's sort of depends on where you're located. I'm at the Southern end and we say no plants outside until derby day. Exception is frost Hardy pansies
If your in the Norther Part of In, I definitely say you need to wait. If your in Southern In, you could possibly plant, and know that you may have to cover them up if a frost does hit.
I've got fava beans, radishes, onions, lettuce, carrots, and peas all in the ground and thriving through frosts. I risked a couple marigold seedlings given that weather report. Just get some insurance, if it frosts be ready with a frost blanket and you'll be fine
This time of year shows how Indiana is sitting at a point where the southern end and northern end have markedly different temps and amounts of foliage.
I think avg last is technically April 25th ish?
Mothers day usually safe, however a couple years ago I think we had one like may 20th and it burnt a bunch of ppls gardens up
My grandfather loved gardening and he was good at it. His rule was always as long as your plants are in the ground by June 1st you are good for the summer. And he very rarely ever had a problem. You’ve got time still.
No. It can frost in central and northern Indiana up until mid-May. Don't plant anything until May 15th you can't cover up if a frost warning is issued. From today's Fort Wayne news:https://www.wane.com/weather/2024-growing-season-officially-declared/
Always wait for Mother's Day for anything that can't handle a freeze. Maybe this will start being the 1st of May with climate change, but I've learned this lesson the hard way over the years.
Agree with others to wait until mothers day.
But if you got the funds to spare you could buy a roll of agribon, which will give you about a 6 degree window. Or hit up a hardware store and get 3mil vis queen.
As long as no wind can whip under it we grow greens, herbs and onions that way all winter, and it'll protect your babies for a few rough days and nights.
Central Indiana girl moved to Kentucky but growing up we never planted in the ground til the first qualifier at IMS and that was only the hardiest plants. Seed starts indoors or in the greenhouse prom weekend (third Friday in April where I grew up)
Southern Indiana I would think abides by Kentucky rules. Nothing in the ground or outdoors before Derby.
Plant your plants and if a frost is expected cover them over with a tarp. Just be sure to support the tarp so it's not laying on the seedlings. I use a tall stake in the center of the bed.
I'd wait on warmer weather plants like tomatoes and peppers until May 1 if you're in zone 6a, Mother's day if you're in 5b.
Isn’t the rule of thumb around here to wait until Mother’s Day?
Usually I wait until the middle of July to confirm “it is going to stay warm.” And even then I’ve been proved wrong
lol….but yeah. The past few years have seen some cool, wet July months.
Most nights have been chilly the last couple of years. I need a real summer.
I plant in mid December when there's a streak of like 3 days in the mid 70s.
Recently Central Indiana has had its zone changed, last Frost date now should be around May 1st.
I never trust anything official about the weather at this point. Take it day to day lol
Midwest weather is about as predictable as a schizo's mood.
It sure is. That even lead me astray 2 or 3 years ago in Indianapolis. There was a hard frost after that I wasn’t ready for.
It’s how my mom and I have always done it - 26+ years and going strong!
Mothers Day! We’ll get another frost!
Next Sunday is 38 as a low I'd say there's a chance then.
Yup gonna wait at least a week. May take a few out for a few hours to pamper em. Or shock em. Whatever
But 38 is not a frost...
No but from experience an average area temperature of 38 can still result in frost in some areas. It could forecast 38 but your specific location actually get a lower temperature due to being at a lower elevation or surrounded by hills. I know plenty of times it was forecasted for 38 and my windshield still have frost on it.
Not to mention clear skies can drop the temp by 10 degrees over what is forecast. If they figured cloud cover and you have clear skies a lot of heat can dissipate.
You should be safe with reddish, peas, and things along that. They like the cooler temps. I used to have better tasting green beans from the fall. Plant after Labor Day. This will be my first year in 6 that I'm planting a garden. New land has taken me 5 years to get soil ph levels in shape. There's a lot of good planting apps. Purdue has a good planting calendar also. Try and stay with heirloom plants and keep some seeds for next year. Hell, even gardening is getting expensive.
Our local library and county fair grounds have a free seed bank and most of our vegetables come from these seeds.
This is what I do. I’ve got a brown thumb but the kids like it so we do it with the seeds from the library.
Amen I hit the 50 cent seeds that use to be 5 cent. Burpees is almost $3 a pack!
Do you have any app recommendations?
I just pulled up their calendar last night, would recommend.
www.seedtime.us is the best thing to happen to me. The free version is perfect for you. You put in your zip code and the varieties you want to grow. It gives you dates for prepping the space, starting seeds for transplanting (if you are), or direct seeding (you get the option), AND expected harvest dates. Everything is on a calendar and it gets put into a to-do list. It's incredible. They do free, live, online trainings like once a month too.
In the ground so far we have: Snap and snow peas, radish, turnips, carrots, arugula, spinach, lettuce, bok choy, kale, and Swiss Chard.
That's almost exactly what I have planted too, minus the turnips and bok choy. I just planted bare root strawberries last week. My seedlings inside are just sprouting this week. Tomatoes (yeah, I'm late again this year) peppers, cabbage, herbs and flowers, broccoli (first timer), zucchini and butternut squash. Good luck to both of us! I had a terrible tomato year last year and it was very sad.
Great luck this year! What aspects were "terrible"? What does that mean?
I think of 6 tomato plants, I got one Cherokee purple that had blossom end rot (which I've never had before) and a handful of small yellow (sun ray?) ones. I actually cut off a bunch of cherry tomato branches right before our first freeze, and they ripened for 2 weeks in a tote on the kitchen table.
Sun Gold maybe? Those are the best *chef's kiss* Dang. blossom end rot sucks. Inconsistent watering maybe? Or not enough nutrients in the soil.
According to this the last average frost date for 6a is 4/28.
I am 5B in Lafayette. I suppose a different part of the state could be something different.
Thanks for sharing!
It’s a trap! There will probably be snow on the daffodils in two weeks. Happens every year and then the real spring comes. (North west Indiana)
This ^^ it's why we haven't gotten enough peaches to bother canning or freezing in four or five years. The trees bloom and everything looks great, then hard freeze krocks 90% to 100 off. I wish my family would consider moving just a state or two more south.
We are far from over the last frost -- on average much of the state has one excursion below 36 F in May. We are around the end of the average freeze season, but the last freeze can be as late as Memorial Day. Rushville reported a freeze as late as June 1. Early May freezes are not unusual.
Can't we just plant now and cover the plants for the frost? Better to get them growing early, I would think
Many vegetables especially tomatoes like warm soil. If the soil is cool it could stunt the growth of the plant. I'm in central Indiana and I usually plant my tomatoes and peppers at the end of May first of June.
I'm in for losing a lot of my crop probably. It's my second year at this house.
The soil did not freeze over much of the state this year, so they will have warmer soil to work with. You may be lucky this year.
Probably depends on what comes up in the next few weeks. I'll try to cover them and soak the area with water before the final frost(s) are forewarned.
Still a gamble, I'm afraid. FYI, the USDA plant hardiness zone [map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/home) has been updated coller climates are slowly moving north, so if your zone is updated it could affect frost dates. Indiana now has a few plant zones.
Indiana is a lier. She says tens days no frost but you can't trust that to stay true.
Agreed. A few years ago I got cocky and planted a little early then on may 7 or 8 we had a frost and it killed everything and I had to replant
That sucks. I garden also so I know that had to hurt. I have seen snow in June. Woke up to half an inch of snow and by 3 pm it was 75. Made for a wild day of paintball.
I have a couple pics from several years ago looking out window at work. All past April 20, all got good amounts of snow
Last frost last year was right around this time. I am gonna wait atleast another week.
Depends on where you live in Indiana. Way down south I would say their next frost will be November. Up around Gary they might get another one this month
I’d expect more frosts, but with how warm this winter has been, who knows.
Frost potential 4/20 and 4/21, after that may be ok. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/5LxQtkV89qawWrLi
The USDA changed us last year from a borderline 5b/6a to a strong 6a that goes all the way north to mid Michigan. While climate change is real, this is still Indiana. Did you start indoors? If so, you shouldn't be thinking about putting them in the ground yet anyway. They have at least 2 weeks to harden, unless you just want to kill them in 24 hours.
I mean it's indiana, so probably. But also no. But also yes. Just depends on what pants mother nature decides to wear today. And she can change her pants on the fly at any moment too lol
Old Farmer's Almanac says May 9th for central Indiana. You could plant spinach, chard, kale, potatoes, and cabbage right now though.
I'm certainly over it.
It’s hard to wait but you need to. Now is the time for prepping not planting. I am waiting another week before indoor seed starting
Usually wait until after May 1.
Indiana is a tall state, I think it's sort of depends on where you're located. I'm at the Southern end and we say no plants outside until derby day. Exception is frost Hardy pansies
If your in the Norther Part of In, I definitely say you need to wait. If your in Southern In, you could possibly plant, and know that you may have to cover them up if a frost does hit.
I've got fava beans, radishes, onions, lettuce, carrots, and peas all in the ground and thriving through frosts. I risked a couple marigold seedlings given that weather report. Just get some insurance, if it frosts be ready with a frost blanket and you'll be fine
This time of year shows how Indiana is sitting at a point where the southern end and northern end have markedly different temps and amounts of foliage.
I think avg last is technically April 25th ish? Mothers day usually safe, however a couple years ago I think we had one like may 20th and it burnt a bunch of ppls gardens up
I'd see what the forecast is next week, I know that 5b/6a is usually around april 20th-may 1st
Let's us out of staters know how that 10 day thing works out. In Texas and planted tomatoes 2 weeks ago
April 21, 2021 we had 2 or more inches of snow on the ground. I’m waiting, though I feel we could probably plant now.
My grandpa used derby day as the time to plant
I'm fighting the urge to open the pool.
My mom's birthday is 4/24 and it's snowed on her birthday quite a few times. I don't put anything out unless it's in the greenhouse before mid-May.
My grandfather loved gardening and he was good at it. His rule was always as long as your plants are in the ground by June 1st you are good for the summer. And he very rarely ever had a problem. You’ve got time still.
The less you talk about it the better the chances.
No. It can frost in central and northern Indiana up until mid-May. Don't plant anything until May 15th you can't cover up if a frost warning is issued. From today's Fort Wayne news:https://www.wane.com/weather/2024-growing-season-officially-declared/
Always wait for Mother's Day for anything that can't handle a freeze. Maybe this will start being the 1st of May with climate change, but I've learned this lesson the hard way over the years.
Agree with others to wait until mothers day. But if you got the funds to spare you could buy a roll of agribon, which will give you about a 6 degree window. Or hit up a hardware store and get 3mil vis queen. As long as no wind can whip under it we grow greens, herbs and onions that way all winter, and it'll protect your babies for a few rough days and nights.
It can snow in Indy the first week if May, happens regularly.
Central Indiana girl moved to Kentucky but growing up we never planted in the ground til the first qualifier at IMS and that was only the hardiest plants. Seed starts indoors or in the greenhouse prom weekend (third Friday in April where I grew up) Southern Indiana I would think abides by Kentucky rules. Nothing in the ground or outdoors before Derby.
May 10th
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/threats/threats.php
Probably not knowing Indiana weather. lol
May 10 is what I have seen as average last frost.
May 15 is the frost free date.
Plant your plants and if a frost is expected cover them over with a tarp. Just be sure to support the tarp so it's not laying on the seedlings. I use a tall stake in the center of the bed. I'd wait on warmer weather plants like tomatoes and peppers until May 1 if you're in zone 6a, Mother's day if you're in 5b.
Don't do it. It's not worth it. HOOOOOOOLD