What to plant this week in Des Moines, IA
With the average last frost date in Des Moines firmly set for May 1, your immediate focus this week is capitalizing on the window between now and mid-May to get cool-season crops like Garlic and Leeks into the ground. While the threat of a late freeze before October 15 remains low enough for tender transplants, keep an eye on the forecast as you prepare to push out warm-weather giants like Watermelon, Bush Beans, and Zucchini.
The next 7 days
Des Moines, IAGrowing in Des Moines right now
- The Des Moines Metro area often brings unpredictable mid-April freezes; ensure any seedlings started indoors are hardened off gradually before moving them outside after May 1st.
- Our loamy but sometimes clay-heavy soil tends to hold moisture during our spring rain pulses; amend heavy beds with compost now to improve drainage for upcoming squash and melon plantings.
- Utilize this week to plant Garlic in the fall or sow Parsnip seeds, as these crops establish best in our cool spring temperatures before the July heat sets in.
- Take advantage of the approaching long growing season by sowing fast-maturing Bush Beans and Pole Beans directly into warm soil now for a second harvest later.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
42 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Nasturtium
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Mulch around transplanted squash and melons to retain moisture as summer heat builds up.
- Succession sow pole beans or sweet corn every two weeks for a continuous harvest throughout July.
- Pinch back tips on basil, celery, and marigolds to encourage bushier growth before the end of the season.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for early-season aphids on new transplants like Garden Verbena and Shiso; use strong water sprays or neem oil to manage populations before they establish.
- Slugs are active in our damp spring soils and will target young Seedlings of Edamame and Celery; set out traps or hand-pick them in the early morning.
- Powdery mildew can hit susceptible varieties like Cucumbers and Zucchini quickly if humidity is high; ensure good air circulation by spacing plants according to label instructions.
Watering this week
Water deeply at soil level in the morning to keep roots cool and reduce evaporation during hot days.
Harvest zucchini and yellow summer squash early in the day when they are most tender and flavorful.
Des Moines gardening questions
3Can I transplant my Basil seedlings now?
Yes, since the last frost date is May 1, it is generally safe to move tender crops like Basil outdoors after a few days of acclimation. However, check the nightly forecast; if temperatures drop near freezing unexpectedly before then, delay planting until the risk passes.
What is the best time to plant Watermelon and Cantaloupe in Des Moines?
These warm-weather melons thrive when soil temperatures hit at least 65°F, which typically coincides with late May or early June in our zone. Plant them after your hardening-off period for other vegetables is complete, aiming for mid-to-late May to ensure they mature before the first frost on October 15.
How do I prepare my soil for the heavy squash crops listed for harvest soon?
Because Winter Squash and Summer Squash are heavy feeders, mix in generous amounts of compost into your beds a week before transplanting to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Avoid planting them in low spots where water collects during our frequent spring rains, as this can lead to root rot.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Des Moines garden in SproutGuide →