El Dorado, KS planting zone & frost dates
El Dorado is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 13 and the first fall frost around October 25, for a growing season of about 193 days.
Planting calendar for El Dorado
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 13) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 16 – Mar 2 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 2 – Feb 16 Transplant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 2 – Mar 16 Transplant outdoors: Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 30 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 25).
Useful for zone 6b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 28 | Apr 13 | Apr 27 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 25 | Oct 11 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 27, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 11. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 3.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in El Dorado
- 67042 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is El Dorado, KS?
El Dorado is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in El Dorado?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in El Dorado is April 13. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 27.
When can I plant tomatoes in El Dorado?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 20 – Apr 27. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station El Dorado, KS (USC00142401), 1.6 km (1.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 393 m, based on 26 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.