Frost Dates & Planting Calendars in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the average last spring frost ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, and the average first fall frost from September 29 in Aberdeen to October 13 in Tea. Pick a city for its full frost-date summary and 42-crop planting calendar.
| City | Last Spring Frost (typical) | First Fall Frost (typical) | Growing Season | USDA Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | May 1 | October 6 | 157 days | 5a |
| Rapid City | May 3 | October 8 | 157 days | 5b |
| Aberdeen | May 8 | September 29 | 144 days | 4a |
| Brookings | May 6 | October 1 | 145 days | 4b |
| Watertown | May 7 | September 30 | 145 days | 4b |
| Mitchell | May 2 | October 6 | 156 days | 5a |
| Yankton | April 27 | October 11 | 164 days | 5a |
| Pierre | May 6 | October 3 | 148 days | 4b |
| Huron | May 6 | October 2 | 146 days | 4b |
| Spearfish | May 12 | October 2 | 143 days | 5a |
| Vermillion | May 3 | October 3 | 153 days | 5a |
| Brandon | May 1 | October 6 | 157 days | 5a |
| Box Elder | May 12 | October 1 | 139 days | 5a |
| Rapid Valley | May 3 | October 8 | 157 days | 5a |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | May 12 | October 1 | 139 days | 5b |
| Madison | May 5 | September 30 | 148 days | 4b |
| Sturgis | May 8 | October 3 | 147 days | 5a |
| Belle Fourche | May 10 | September 30 | 143 days | 4b |
| Harrisburg | May 2 | October 2 | 151 days | 5a |
| Tea | April 26 | October 13 | 169 days | 5a |
When to Plant in South Dakota
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias