Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Custer, SD, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 5a.
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Custer, SD Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Custer, SD
The average last frost date in spring for Custer is June 8th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until June 22nd before moving plants outdoors. Waiting these extra few weeks significantly reduces the risk of a late freeze damaging young transplants.
First Fall Frost Date for Custer, SD
The average first frost date in fall for Custer is September 15th. This date marks the approximate end of the growing season for tender plants. Gardeners should plan to harvest frost-sensitive vegetables or provide heavy protection (such as row covers) before this date to avoid crop loss.
Growing Season Length in Custer, SD
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Custer is approximately 99 days. This duration determines which vegetable varieties have enough time to reach maturity before the winter cold sets in. Short-season varieties are recommended for crops that require a longer warm period.
Please note: These dates are climatological averages. Actual weather conditions vary by year. Always check the local 10-day forecast before planting.
Custer, SD Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Custer, SD Monthly Planting Recommendations
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Petunia seeds indoors (from March 30th to April 13th), starting Impatiens seeds indoors (from March 30th to April 13th), and starting Snapdragon seeds indoors (from March 30th to April 13th).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Spinach (from April 27th to May 11th), starting Tomatillo seeds indoors (from April 13th to April 27th), and starting Aubergine seeds indoors (from April 13th to April 27th).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Cilantro (from May 25th to June 22nd), direct sowing Beet (from May 25th to June 8th), and direct sowing Alfalfa (from May 11th to May 25th).
June
In June, recommended activities include direct sowing Melon (from June 22nd to July 6th), direct sowing Cantaloupe (from June 15th to June 29th), and direct sowing Gladiolus (from June 8th to June 22nd).