Pickstown, SD frost dates
How Pickstown compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pickstown falls between April 17 and May 12, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 29 and October 25.
- The median last frost is 6 days earlier than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 166-day growing season is longer than 95% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5b, where the median is May 1.
- The weather station records an average of 152 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 17 |
| 50% (median) | April 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 29 |
| 50% (median) | October 13 |
| 90% (late) | October 25 |
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 Pickstown, SD
Pickstown, SD frost dates — last frost Apr 30, first frost Oct 13, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Pickstown, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Apr 2 – May 7 | Aug 18 – Sep 15 |
| Kale | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Broccoli | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Cabbage | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Okra | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 21 – Jun 4 | May 21 – Jun 4 | — |
| Basil | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 21 | May 7 – May 21 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 2 – Apr 9 | May 14 – May 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 16 – May 14 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 7 – May 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 7 – May 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 14 – Jun 4 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 29 – Nov 3 |
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 Pickstown, SD weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 1,490 ft (454 m)).
Frost dates near Pickstown
- Lake Andes Apr 30 · Oct 13
- Marty Apr 27 · Oct 13
- Wagner Apr 29 · Oct 9
- Fairfax May 3 · Oct 10
- Geddes Apr 30 · Oct 13
- Dante Apr 29 · Oct 9
- Armour May 3 · Oct 6
- Delmont May 3 · Oct 6
- Bonesteel May 3 · Oct 10
- Avon May 1 · Oct 7
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pickstown, SD?
The median last spring frost in Pickstown, SD is April 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Pickstown, SD?
The median first fall frost is October 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 29.
How long is the growing season in Pickstown, SD?
About 166 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pickstown, SD?
Pickstown, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.