Mitchell, SD planting zone & frost dates
Mitchell is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 2 and the first fall frost around October 6, for a growing season of about 156 days.
Planting calendar for Mitchell
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 2) 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: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 6).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 19 | May 2 | May 15 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 19 | Oct 6 | Sep 23 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 15, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 23. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 21.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Mitchell
- 57301 zone 5a
Nearby cities
- Huron zone 4b, last frost May 6
- Yankton zone 5a, last frost Apr 27
- Sioux Falls zone 5a, last frost May 1
- Brookings zone 4b, last frost May 6
- Vermillion zone 5a, last frost May 3
- Watertown zone 4b, last frost May 7
- Aberdeen zone 4a, last frost May 8
- Rapid City zone 5b, last frost May 3
Questions
What growing zone is Mitchell, SD?
Mitchell is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a (average extreme winter low -20°F to -15°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Mitchell?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Mitchell is May 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 15.
When can I plant tomatoes in Mitchell?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 9 – May 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Mitchell 2 N, SD (USC00395671), 3.2 km (2.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 381 m, based on 12 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.