Artesian, SD frost dates
How Artesian compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Artesian falls between April 27 and May 24, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 14 and October 10.
- The median last frost is 3 days later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 142-day growing season is longer than 17% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 4b, where the median is May 8.
- The weather station records an average of 168 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Sioux Falls, SD, 112 km away, the last frost here is 13 days later than there and the growing season is 28 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 27 |
| 50% (median) | May 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 14 |
| 50% (median) | September 28 |
| 90% (late) | October 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 Artesian, SD
Artesian, SD frost dates — last frost May 9, first frost Sep 28, zone 4b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Artesian, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 11 – May 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 31 |
| Kale | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 20 – Aug 10 |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Okra | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — |
| Basil | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 4 – May 16 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 14 – Oct 19 |
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 Forestburg 4 Nne, SD weather station, 8 km away (elevation 1,276 ft (389 m)).
Frost dates near Artesian
- Fedora May 5 · Oct 2
- Woonsocket May 9 · Sep 28
- Letcher Apr 27 · Oct 11
- Carthage May 5 · Oct 2
- Fulton May 2 · Oct 6
- Lane May 2 · Oct 8
- Mitchell May 2 · Oct 6
- Alpena May 2 · Oct 8
- Howard May 5 · Oct 2
- Iroquois May 5 · Oct 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Artesian, SD?
The median last spring frost in Artesian, SD is May 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Artesian, SD?
The median first fall frost is September 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 14.
How long is the growing season in Artesian, SD?
About 142 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Artesian, SD?
Artesian, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 4b.