Oglala, SD frost dates
How Oglala compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Oglala falls between April 24 and May 21, a 27-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 21 and October 19.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 150-day growing season is longer than 52% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is 4 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 162 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Rapid City, SD, 106 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there and the growing season is 8 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 24 |
| 50% (median) | May 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 21 |
| 50% (median) | October 4 |
| 90% (late) | October 19 |
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 Oglala, SD
Oglala, SD frost dates — last frost May 7, first frost Oct 4, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Oglala, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | Apr 9 – May 14 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 |
| Kale | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Okra | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 11 | May 28 – Jun 11 | — |
| Basil | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 26 – Apr 16 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 2 – May 14 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 21 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | — | May 14 – May 28 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | — | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 23 – May 21 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 23 – May 14 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 21 – Jun 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 20 – Oct 25 |
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 Oglala 1s, SD weather station, 2 km away (elevation 2,995 ft (913 m)).
Frost dates near Oglala
- Pine Ridge May 16 · Sep 27
- Manderson May 9 · Oct 4
- Wounded Knee May 9 · Oct 4
- Porcupine May 9 · Oct 4
- Oelrichs May 15 · Sep 30
- Smithwick May 15 · Sep 27
- Oral May 15 · Sep 27
- Batesland May 11 · Oct 2
- Kyle May 11 · Oct 1
- Buffalo Gap May 15 · Sep 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Oglala, SD?
The median last spring frost in Oglala, SD is May 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 21, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Oglala, SD?
The median first fall frost is October 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 21.
How long is the growing season in Oglala, SD?
About 150 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Oglala, SD?
Oglala, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.