Trenton, MO frost dates
How Trenton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Trenton falls between April 3 and April 29, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 5 and November 1.
- The median last frost is 4 days later than the Missouri median of Apr 12.
- Its 187-day growing season is longer than 22% of the 938 Missouri places with a regular frost season (state median 195 days).
- The last frost is 13 days earlier than the zone 6a median of Apr 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 6a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 127 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Saint Joseph, MO, 111 km away, the last frost here is 3 days earlier than there and the growing season is 6 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 3 |
| 50% (median) | April 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 29 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 5 |
| 50% (median) | October 20 |
| 90% (late) | November 1 |
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 Trenton, MO
Trenton, MO frost dates — last frost Apr 16, first frost Oct 20, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Trenton, MO
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 19 – Apr 23 | Aug 25 – Sep 22 |
| Kale | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Broccoli | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cabbage | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Okra | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Basil | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | Sep 8 – Sep 29 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 19 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 6 – Nov 10 |
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 Trenton, MO weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 837 ft (255 m)).
Frost dates near Trenton
- Laredo Apr 16 · Oct 20
- Spickard Apr 20 · Oct 16
- Jamesport Apr 19 · Oct 21
- Galt Apr 16 · Oct 20
- Gilman City Apr 20 · Oct 16
- Chula Apr 15 · Oct 21
- Humphreys Apr 16 · Oct 20
- Lock Springs Apr 15 · Oct 21
- Jameson Apr 19 · Oct 21
- Chillicothe Apr 15 · Oct 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Trenton, MO?
The median last spring frost in Trenton, MO is April 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 29, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Trenton, MO?
The median first fall frost is October 20, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 5.
How long is the growing season in Trenton, MO?
About 187 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Trenton, MO?
Trenton, MO is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.