When to plant in Lawrence, IN
USDA Zone 6aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Lawrence, Indiana — all computed from Lawrence's nearest NOAA weather station.
Zone 6a means Lawrence sees real winter cold, but a good range of perennials survive; the frost dates above govern when annual vegetables go out.
Frost probability
CASTLETON 2 S · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Lawrence’s own odds, recorded at CASTLETON 2 S.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 | Oct 3 | Oct 16 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | May 6 | Apr 18 | Apr 3 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
| 28°F | Apr 24 | Apr 5 | Mar 21 | Oct 25 | Nov 5 | Nov 21 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Lawrence, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 18 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Lawrence planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Lawrence, IN?
On average, the last spring frost in Lawrence is around April 18 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Lawrence, IN?
Expect Lawrence's first fall frost near October 26 — a 50% chance of 32°F by that date. Bring in or cover tender crops ahead of it.
What hardiness zone is Lawrence in?
Lawrence is in USDA hardiness zone 6a. In zone 6a, winters are moderate — most common vegetables grow well in season.
How long is the growing season in Lawrence?
There are roughly 191 frost-free days in Lawrence (a moderate growing season), running from the average last frost around April 18 to the first fall frost near October 26.
When should I plant tomatoes in Lawrence?
In Lawrence, start tomato seeds indoors around February 21–March 7, then transplant seedlings outdoors around April 25 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Lawrence
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Lawrence’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- McCordsville · 7 km
- Fishers · 11 km
- Indianapolis · 17 km
- Carmel · 17 km
- Beech Grove · 19 km
- Noblesville · 19 km
- Greenfield · 20 km
- Speedway · 23 km
Frost dates recorded at CASTLETON 2 S, 5 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Lawrence, IN — Frost Dates & Zone 6a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00121326. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/indiana/lawrence.