Missouri growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start

Zones across Missouri

Missouri covers USDA Zones 6a–6b on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.

• Zone 6a — Kansas City, St. Louis and central Missouri. Average last frost 05/01, first frost 10/01 (about 153 frost-free days).
• Zone 6b — Springfield and the Ozarks. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).

Spring dates for Kansas City, St. Louis and the I-70 corridor (Zone 6a)

• Tomatoes: set out May 8 – May 29; fall June 18 – July 9
• Peppers: set out May 15 – June 5; fall July 2 – July 23
• Sweet corn: seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 2 – July 23
• Cucumbers: set out May 8 – May 29; fall July 16 – August 6
• Summer squash: seed May 8 – May 29; fall July 23 – August 13
• Green beans (bush): seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 16 – August 6
• Cabbage: set out April 3 – April 24; fall June 18 – July 9
• Broccoli: set out April 3 – April 24; fall June 18 – July 9

These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.

Published costs per acre

• Sweet Corn Planning Budget (G734), 1 acre with overhead irrigation (University of Missouri Extension, 2025): about $3,185 per acre.

Where to sell in Missouri

• State buy-local program: the Missouri Department of Agriculture runs AgriMissouri. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
• Established market: Soulard Market (St. Louis). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Established market: City Market (Kansas City). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
• Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
• Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
• Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.

Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.

Farm taxes in Missouri

• Income tax: Graduated state income tax with a top rate that has been stepping down.
• Sales tax on inputs: Farm machinery, seed, fertilizer and chemicals used in farming are exempt; give the vendor Form 149 (Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate).
• Farmland property tax: Agricultural land is assessed at its productive value set by the state, not market value.

Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.

Grants and cost-share in Missouri

• Specialty Crop Block Grant (Department of Agriculture)
• Soil and Water Conservation cost-share through county districts
• Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) loan and tax-credit programs
• USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
• North Central SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials

See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.

Who to call

• University of Missouri Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
• Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers