Sheldon, MO frost dates
How Sheldon compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Sheldon falls between March 26 and April 28, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 13 and November 10.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 201-day growing season is longer than 70% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 7 days earlier than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 100 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Joplin, MO, 71 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) | March 26 |
| 50% (median) | April 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 28 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 13 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 90% (late) | November 10 |
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 Sheldon, MO
Sheldon, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 9, first frost Oct 27, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Sheldon, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Okra | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Basil | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 26 – Mar 19 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Lamar 7n, MO weather station, 10 km away (elevation 965 ft (294 m)).
Frost dates near Sheldon
- Milo Apr 7 · Oct 27
- Milford Apr 9 · Oct 27
- Moundville Apr 7 · Oct 27
- Nevada Apr 7 · Oct 27
- Lamar Apr 9 · Oct 27
- Bronaugh Apr 7 · Oct 27
- Jerico Springs Apr 6 · Oct 30
- Walker Apr 7 · Oct 27
- Liberal Apr 6 · Oct 24
- El Dorado Springs Apr 8 · Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sheldon, MO?
The median last spring frost in Sheldon, MO is April 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 28, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sheldon, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 13.
How long is the growing season in Sheldon, MO?
About 201 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sheldon, MO?
Sheldon, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.