Pollock, SD frost dates
How Pollock compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Pollock falls between April 27 and May 21, a 24-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 18 and October 11.
- The median last frost is 2 days later than the South Dakota median of May 6.
- Its 145-day growing season is longer than 31% of the 363 South Dakota places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is 4 days earlier than the zone 4a median of May 12. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 4a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 176 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Bismarck, ND, 109 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there and the growing season is 2 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 27 |
| 50% (median) | May 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 21 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 18 |
| 50% (median) | September 30 |
| 90% (late) | October 11 |
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 Pollock, SD
Pollock, SD frost dates — last frost May 8, first frost Sep 30, zone 4a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Pollock, SD
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 10 – May 15 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 |
| Kale | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Broccoli | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Cabbage | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Okra | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 12 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Basil | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 27 – Apr 17 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 3 – May 15 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 24 – May 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 24 – May 15 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 22 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 16 – Oct 21 |
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 Pollock, SD weather station, 2 km away (elevation 1,640 ft (500 m)).
Frost dates near Pollock
- Herreid May 8 · Sep 30
- Wakpala May 3 · Oct 8
- Mound City May 8 · Oct 1
- Glenham May 5 · Oct 4
- Mobridge May 5 · Oct 4
- Little Eagle May 12 · Sep 28
- Mc Laughlin May 12 · Sep 28
- Selby May 8 · Oct 1
- Trail City May 3 · Oct 8
- Java May 8 · Oct 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Pollock, SD?
The median last spring frost in Pollock, SD is May 8. 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 Pollock, SD?
The median first fall frost is September 30, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 18.
How long is the growing season in Pollock, SD?
About 145 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Pollock, SD?
Pollock, SD is in USDA hardiness zone 4a.