Batesland, SD frost dates
How Batesland compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Batesland falls between April 30 and May 26, a 26-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 19 and October 15.
- The median last frost is 5 days later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 144-day growing season is longer than 25% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is 8 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 175 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 30 |
| 50% (median) | May 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 19 |
| 50% (median) | October 2 |
| 90% (late) | October 15 |
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 Batesland, SD
Batesland, SD frost dates — last frost May 11, first frost Oct 2, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Batesland, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Apr 13 – May 18 | Aug 7 – Sep 4 |
| Kale | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Broccoli | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cabbage | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Okra | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — |
| Basil | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | May 18 – Jun 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 6 – May 18 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 1 | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 13 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 20 – May 18 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 20 – May 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 27 – May 25 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 18 – Jun 8 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 18 – Jun 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 25 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 18 – Oct 23 |
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 Gordon 6n, NE weather station, 23 km away (elevation 3,747 ft (1,142 m)).
Frost dates near Batesland
- Wounded Knee May 9 · Oct 4
- Porcupine May 9 · Oct 4
- Manderson May 9 · Oct 4
- Allen May 13 · Oct 2
- Pine Ridge May 16 · Sep 27
- Kyle May 11 · Oct 1
- Martin May 13 · Oct 2
- Oglala May 7 · Oct 4
- Tuthill May 14 · Oct 1
- Wanblee May 9 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Batesland, SD?
The median last spring frost in Batesland, SD is May 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Batesland, SD?
The median first fall frost is October 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 19.
How long is the growing season in Batesland, SD?
About 144 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Batesland, SD?
Batesland, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.