Use this planting calendar to find the best times of the year to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other popular plants in Rapid city, SD, based on the USDA Hardiness Zone 5a.
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Rapid city, SD Frost Dates & Growing Season
Last Spring Frost Date for Rapid city, SD
The average last frost date in spring for Rapid city is May 15th. For gardeners planting sensitive crops like tomatoes, peppers, and basil, it is generally recommended to wait until May 29th 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 Rapid city, SD
The average first frost date in fall for Rapid city is October 1st. 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 Rapid city, SD
Based on historical frost data, the estimated growing season length in Rapid city is approximately 139 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.
Rapid city, SD Planting Calendar
This weekly planting calendar displays the ideal windows for starting seeds, transplanting, and harvesting your plants.
Rapid city, SD Monthly Planting Recommendations
March
In March, recommended activities include starting Ground Cherry seeds indoors (from March 20th to April 3rd), starting Thyme seeds indoors (from March 20th to April 3rd), and starting Coneflower seeds indoors (from March 20th to April 3rd).
April
In April, recommended activities include direct sowing Mustard (from April 17th to May 1st), starting Moonflower seeds indoors (from April 3rd to April 17th), and direct sowing Arugula (from April 17th to May 1st).
May
In May, recommended activities include direct sowing Gladiolus (from May 15th to May 29th), direct sowing Beet (from May 1st to May 15th), and direct sowing Alyssum (from May 1st to May 15th).