Kyle 2 E, SD Frost Dates & Growing Season

The two dates every Kyle 2 E garden is planned around, plus ready-computed planting windows for the most popular crops.

Last spring frost
May 11
~50% chance of frost after
First fall frost
Oct 1
~50% chance of frost before
Growing season
143 days
frost-free stretch
USDA zone
≈ 5a
estimated from nearby reference
Risky (1 year in 10)MedianSafe (9 years in 10)
Last spring frost Apr 29 May 11 May 27
First fall frost Oct 12 Oct 1 Sep 15
Hard freeze (28°F), median last May 1 · first Oct 9

Computed from NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals at the KYLE 2 E station. "Safe" means frost past that date happens only about one year in ten. Your exact garden can still run days either way with elevation and terrain — check your own ZIP with the frost date lookup.

Planting windows for Kyle 2 E

Computed from Kyle 2 E's own frost dates. Click any crop for the full zone-5 growing guide — varieties, spacing, fall plantings, and more.

CropStart seeds indoorsTransplantDirect sow
🍅 Tomatoes Mar 16 – Mar 30 May 18 – May 25
🫑 Peppers Mar 2 – Mar 16 May 25 – Jun 1
🥬 Lettuce Mar 30 – Apr 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27 Apr 13 – May 11
🫛 Peas Mar 30 – Apr 13
🥕 Carrots Apr 20 – May 11
🥦 Broccoli Mar 23 – Apr 6 Apr 20 – May 4
🥬 Kale Mar 30 – Apr 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27 Apr 13 – Apr 27
🥒 Cucumbers Apr 13 – Apr 20 May 18 – May 25 May 18 – May 25
🥒 Zucchini Apr 13 – Apr 20 May 18 – May 25 May 18 – May 25
🫘 Green Beans (Bush) May 18 – May 25
🌽 Sweet Corn May 18 – May 25
🌿 Basil Mar 30 – Apr 13 May 18 – May 25 May 25 – Jun 1
🧄 Garlic Fall: Aug 20 – Sep 17

Want this for all 50 crops, or as a printable seed-shelf schedule? Use the planting calendar and the seed starting scheduler — both can use Kyle 2 E's dates automatically after a lookup.

Reading the season in Kyle 2 E

At about 143 frost-free days, Kyle 2 E rewards efficiency: start warm-season crops indoors, favor short-season varieties, and lean on cold-tolerant crops — peas, kale, roots — that shrug off the shoulder-season frosts on either end.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Kyle 2 E, SD?

The average last spring frost in Kyle 2 E is around May 11, based on 1991–2020 climate normals. That's a median — about half of years see a later frost, so tender crops are safest going out a week or two after this date.

When is the first frost in Kyle 2 E, SD?

The average first fall frost in Kyle 2 E arrives around Oct 1. Crops still in the garden need to mature before then, and frost-tender plants need harvesting or protection as the date approaches.

How long is the growing season in Kyle 2 E?

About 143 frost-free days on average, from May 11 to Oct 1. That favors short-season varieties and transplants for warm-season crops, with cool-season vegetables doing the heavy lifting in spring and fall.

What USDA zone is Kyle 2 E in?

USDA zone 5a on the 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Note that zones describe winter cold, not frost timing — these frost dates are the numbers to plan plantings around.