When to plant in Box Elder, SD
USDA Zone 5bHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Box Elder, South Dakota — all computed from Box Elder's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 5b, Box Elder gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
RAPID CITY RGNL AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Box Elder’s own odds, recorded at RAPID CITY RGNL AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 6 | May 22 | May 10 | Sep 7 | Sep 21 | Oct 3 |
| 32°F | May 26 | May 12 | May 1 | Sep 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 |
| 28°F | May 14 | May 2 | Apr 18 | Sep 26 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Box Elder, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 16 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Box Elder planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Box Elder, SD?
On average, the last spring frost in Box Elder is around May 12 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Box Elder, SD?
The first fall frost in Box Elder typically arrives around October 1 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Box Elder in?
Box Elder is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. In zone 5b, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Box Elder?
Box Elder has about 142 frost-free days — a short growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 12) and first fall frost (October 1).
When should I plant tomatoes in Box Elder?
For Box Elder, sow tomatoes indoors about March 17–March 31 and move the seedlings out around May 19, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Box Elder
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Box Elder’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Rapid City · 12 km
- Spearfish · 72 km
- Gillette · 194 km
- Pierre · 222 km
- Scottsbluff · 254 km
- Casper · 297 km
- Dickinson · 310 km
- Sheridan · 317 km
Frost dates recorded at RAPID CITY RGNL AP, 8 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Box Elder, SD — Frost Dates & Zone 5b." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00024090. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/south-dakota/box-elder.