When to Plant Mustard Greens in Day County, SD
Mustard greens are fast-growing brassicas with a spicy, peppery kick. They come in green, red, and purple varieties and are excellent cooked or in salads.
Day County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, Day County receives approximately 29.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mustard Greens to ensure they mature before fall.
Day County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Mustard Greens Planting Timeline — Day County, SD
Mustard Greens Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Day County
Direct sow in early spring or fall. Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. Plants bolt quickly in heat so grow as a cool-season crop or provide shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Mustard Greens in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mustard Greens in Day County, SD?
Day County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Mustard Greens planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Day County, SD?
Day County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Day County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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