Frost Dates for St. Joseph, MO
In St. Joseph, MO, the average last spring frost is around Apr 19 and the average first fall frost around Oct 17, for a growing season of about 180 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 3, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the St Joseph Rosecrans Airport, MO weather station, 6 miles away, elevation 818 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 3 | Sep 30 |
| 20% | Apr 29 | Oct 6 |
| 30% | Apr 25 | Oct 10 |
| 40% | Apr 22 | Oct 13 |
| 50% | Apr 19 | Oct 17 |
| 60% | Apr 16 | Oct 19 |
| 70% | Apr 13 | Oct 22 |
| 80% | Apr 10 | Oct 26 |
| 90% | Apr 5 | Oct 30 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Apr 29 | Oct 5 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 19 | Oct 17 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 9 | Oct 26 |
Planting calendar for St. Joseph
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant May 3 – May 17
Transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant Apr 26 – May 10
Sow or transplant May 3 – May 17
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 19
Fall sowing Aug 22 – Sep 12
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Aug 22
Sow or transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Sep 5
Transplant Apr 5 – Apr 19
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Transplant Mar 29 – Apr 12
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Fall sowing Jul 25 – Aug 8
Fall sowing Sep 5 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Aug 8 – Aug 22
Plant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Based on the average last frost (Apr 19) and first frost (Oct 17). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.