Pickering, MO frost dates
How Pickering compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pickering falls between April 4 and May 3, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 2 and October 30.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 181-day growing season is longer than 10% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 12 days earlier than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 138 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Saint Joseph, MO, 79 km away, the last frost here is the same as there and the growing season is the same length.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 4 |
| 50% (median) | April 19 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 2 |
| 50% (median) | October 17 |
| 90% (late) | October 30 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Pickering, MO
Pickering, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 19, first frost Oct 17, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Pickering, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Mar 22 – Apr 26 | Aug 22 – Sep 19 |
| Kale | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 8 – Aug 29 |
| Broccoli | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Cabbage | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 1 |
| Okra | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Basil | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 26 – May 10 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Jul 25 – Aug 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 8 – Mar 29 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 15 – Apr 26 | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 10 | Apr 26 – May 10 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 3 – May 17 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 26 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 5 – May 3 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 5 – Apr 26 | Aug 22 – Sep 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 26 – May 17 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 26 – May 10 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 3 – May 24 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 3 – Nov 7 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Maryville 2e, MO weather station, 13 km away (elevation 984 ft (300 m)).
Frost dates near Pickering
- Hopkins Apr 24 · Oct 15
- Maryville Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Clearmont Apr 25 · Oct 11
- Ravenwood Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Parnell Apr 20 · Oct 19
- Burlington Junction Apr 19 · Oct 17
- Sheridan Apr 20 · Oct 19
- Elmo Apr 19 · Oct 15
- Conception Junction Apr 17 · Oct 20
- Clyde Apr 17 · Oct 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pickering, MO?
The median last spring frost in Pickering, MO is April 19. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 3, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pickering, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 2.
How long is the growing season in Pickering, MO?
About 181 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pickering, MO?
Pickering, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.