Frost Dates for Gardner, KS

In Gardner, KS, the average last spring frost is around Apr 13 and the average first fall frost around Oct 24, for a growing season of about 193 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 29, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1350% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 29only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2450% chance of frost before this date
Growing season193 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Olathe Johnson Co Airport, KS weather station, 2 miles away, elevation 1,087 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 29Oct 10
20%Apr 23Oct 16
30%Apr 20Oct 19
40%Apr 17Oct 21
50%Apr 13Oct 24
60%Apr 10Oct 26
70%Apr 7Oct 29
80%Apr 4Nov 1
90%Mar 30Nov 4

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 23Oct 15
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 13Oct 24
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 3Nov 2

Planting calendar for Gardner

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Peppers
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 2 – Feb 16
Transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Basil
Indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 16 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 16 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Apr 20 – May 4
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 20 – May 4
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 16 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Apr 27 – May 11
Green beans
Sow Apr 20 – May 4
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 20 – May 4
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 2 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 26
Spinach
Sow Mar 2 – Mar 23
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 19
Peas
Sow Mar 2 – Mar 16
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Kale
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Sep 12
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Mar 30 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Carrots
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Radishes
Sow Mar 9 – Mar 30
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Oct 3
Beets
Sow Mar 23 – Apr 13
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Aug 29
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 19 – Feb 2
Plant Mar 16 – Mar 30
Potatoes
Plant Mar 23 – Apr 6
Garlic
Plant Oct 24 – Nov 21

Based on the average last frost (Apr 13) and first frost (Oct 24). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

OlatheLenexaOverland ParkShawneeLeawoodLawrenceKansas CityLeavenworthAll Kansas towns