Thompson, MO frost dates
How Thompson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Thompson falls between March 27 and April 26, a 30-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 13 and November 5.
- The median last frost is 1 day earlier than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 197-day growing season is longer than 54% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 11 days earlier than the zone 6b median of Apr 22. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 113 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Columbia, MO, 40 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there and the growing season is 12 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 27 |
| 50% (median) | April 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 13 |
| 50% (median) | October 25 |
| 90% (late) | November 5 |
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 Thompson, MO
Thompson, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 11, first frost Oct 25, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Thompson, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Aug 30 – Sep 27 |
| Kale | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cabbage | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | — | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Okra | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 | May 2 – May 16 | — |
| Basil | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Aug 2 – Aug 23 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 28 – Mar 21 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 7 – Apr 18 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 18 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 21 – Apr 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 25 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 18 – May 2 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 11 – Nov 15 |
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 Mexico, MO weather station, 11 km away (elevation 801 ft (244 m)).
Frost dates near Thompson
- Mexico Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Centralia Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Hallsville Apr 5 · Oct 31
- Benton City Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Rush Hill Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Auxvasse Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Sturgeon Apr 13 · Oct 25
- Santa Fe Apr 11 · Oct 25
- Kingdom City Apr 10 · Oct 24
- Clark Apr 13 · Oct 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Thompson, MO?
The median last spring frost in Thompson, MO is April 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Thompson, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 13.
How long is the growing season in Thompson, MO?
About 197 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Thompson, MO?
Thompson, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.