In Fort Wayne, IN, the average last spring frost is Apr 24 and the average first fall frost is Oct 21, which leaves about 178 frost-free days for the garden. These dates come from NOAA climate normals for the Ft Wayne International Airport, IN weather station, at 791 feet above sea level.
A moderate season leaves room for most vegetables. Start warm-season crops indoors for a head start, plant cool-season crops early and again in late summer, and keep row cover ready for surprise frosts. Frost timing varies from year to year: in about 1 spring in 10 the last frost falls as late as May 10, and in about 1 fall in 10 the first frost arrives as early as Oct 8.
Frost dates for Fort Wayne, IN
| Chance of a freeze (32°F) after or before this date | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Freeze-free season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic (about 1 year in 10) | Apr 10 | Nov 1 | 205 days |
| Average (half of years) | Apr 24 | Oct 21 | 178 days |
| Cautious (9 years in 10 are safe) | May 10 | Oct 8 | 151 days |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991 to 2020. Use the cautious dates for tender crops such as tomatoes and peppers.
When to plant in Fort Wayne, IN
These windows count weeks forward and back from the average frost dates above. They are planning guides: check the forecast before planting tender crops, and see our what to plant now tool for today's date.
| Crop | Start seeds indoors | Plant outdoors in spring | Plant in fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 to Mar 13 | May 1 to May 8 | – |
| Peppers | Feb 13 to Feb 27 | May 8 to May 15 | – |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 to Feb 27 | May 8 to May 15 | – |
| Onions | Feb 13 to Feb 27 | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | – |
| Parsley | Feb 13 to Feb 27 | Apr 24 to May 1 | – |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | Feb 27 to Mar 13 | Apr 10 to Apr 17 | Jul 29 to Aug 26 |
| Basil | Mar 13 to Mar 13 | May 1 to May 8 | – |
| Peas | Sow outdoors | Mar 13 to Mar 27 | Jul 29 to Aug 26 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors | Mar 13 to Mar 27 | Aug 26 to Sep 23 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors | Mar 13 to Mar 27 | Aug 26 to Sep 23 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | Aug 26 to Sep 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | Jul 29 to Aug 26 |
| Beets | Sow outdoors | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | Jul 29 to Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | Sow outdoors | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | – |
| Kale | Sow outdoors | Mar 27 to Apr 10 | Jul 29 to Aug 26 |
| Swiss chard | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 to Apr 24 | – |
| Cilantro | Sow outdoors | Apr 10 to Apr 24 | Aug 26 to Sep 23 |
| Dill | Sow outdoors | Apr 24 to May 1 | – |
| Bush beans | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | Jul 18 to Aug 1 |
| Pole beans | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | – |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | – |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | Jul 8 to Jul 22 |
| Zucchini and summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | Jul 18 to Aug 1 |
| Winter squash | Sow outdoors | May 1 to May 8 | – |
| Sweet potatoes (slips) | Sow outdoors | May 8 to May 22 | – |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | May 8 to May 22 | – |
A dash in the fall column means the crop is not usually planted in fall, or the season is too short.
Overnight lows this week
The National Weather Service forecast shows frost risk on: Sat 14 night (35°F), Sun 15 night (30°F), Mon 16 night (31°F), Tue 17 night (33°F). Cover tender plants before dark on those nights.
| Night | Forecast low | Frost risk |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 night | 35°F | Frost possible |
| Sun 15 night | 30°F | Freeze |
| Mon 16 night | 31°F | Freeze |
| Tue 17 night | 33°F | Frost possible |
| Wed 18 night | 39°F | No frost expected |
| Thu 19 night | 45°F | No frost expected |
| Fri 20 night | 45°F | No frost expected |
Live forecast for the station location, from the National Weather Service. For your own ZIP code, use our garden weather forecast.
More garden tools for Fort Wayne, IN
- Frost dates by ZIP code for your exact location
- What to plant now, based on today's date
- Garden weather forecast by ZIP code
- Safe transplant date calculator
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Wayne, IN?
The average last spring frost is Apr 24. A late frost as far out as May 10 happens in about 1 year in 10, so tender plants such as tomatoes and peppers are safest after that cautious date.
When is the first frost in Fort Wayne, IN?
The average first fall frost is Oct 21. It can arrive as early as Oct 8 in about 1 year in 10, so plan to harvest tender crops before then.
How long is the growing season in Fort Wayne, IN?
The average freeze-free season is about 178 days, between the average last spring frost and the average first fall frost.
Where do these dates come from?
They come from the NOAA 1991 to 2020 U.S. Climate Normals for the Ft Wayne International Airport, IN station. Hills, valleys, lakes and city heat can shift frost by a week or more, so compare with neighbors who garden near you.