Clay County, SD — Planting Guide
Clay County is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 663 ft, Clay County receives approximately 30.8 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 83°F with winter lows around 10°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.
🌡️ Zone
5a (-20°F to -15°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
April 30
🍂 First Frost
October 7
📅 Growing Season
160 days
⛰️ Elevation
663 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
30.8 in
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil & Growing Conditions in Clay County
Soil Type
Loam
Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.
Watering Needs
Moderate rainfall (30.8 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.
Season Tips
160-day frost-free season
Start warm-season crops indoors and focus on short-season varieties. Cold frames extend your season by 3–4 weeks in fall.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
Plan every bed, every planting, every harvest — in one place. This 22-page printable includes your zone's planting calendar, a month-by-month task list, a seed inventory tracker, a harvest log, and succession-planting charts. Built to print, write in, and actually use all season.
Recommended for Your Garden
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.
Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Clay County
105 vegetables that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 105 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 14 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Aug 20 – Oct 15 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 7 | — | — | Aug 6 – Sep 24 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 17 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Aug 13 – Sep 17 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 13 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | May 14 – Jun 4 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 19 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 24 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Nov 25 – Feb 10 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 14 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 29 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 19 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 29 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 27 – Oct 1 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 10 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 7 | — | — | Aug 6 – Sep 10 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 13 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | May 7 – Jun 4 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Aug 13 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Jul 2 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 6 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Sep 17 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Jul 30 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 19 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 1 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | May 14 – Jun 4 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jul 30 – Sep 17 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 12 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 3 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 10 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 3 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 1 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 14 | — | Sep 3 – Oct 29 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 24 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 16 | — | Jul 29 | May 28 – Jul 2 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | Jul 29 | Jun 11 – Jul 16 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 10 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 7 | — | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Aug 13 – Oct 1 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 5 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Clay County
27 fruits that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 27 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 3 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 24 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 13 – Sep 24 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 21 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 21 | — | Aug 20 – Nov 5 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Clay County
34 herbs that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 34 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jul 23 – Oct 8 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 12 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 7 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 18 – Aug 6 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Aug 6 – Oct 8 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 12 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 7 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 22 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 27 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 17 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 2 – Aug 27 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 26 | Apr 16 | Apr 23 | Jul 29 | Jun 4 – Aug 6 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 12 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 7 | — | Sep 10 – Oct 22 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Clay County
51 flowers that grow well in Zone 5a with planting dates for Clay County.
Show all 51 flowers with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 12 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 24 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 30 – Oct 28 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 1 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 19 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 29 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 19 | Apr 9 | Apr 30 | — | Jun 18 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 15 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 26 | May 7 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 29 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 26 | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | — | Jun 4 – Aug 20 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 29 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 5 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Nov 12 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 19 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 22 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 19 | — | May 14 | — | Aug 6 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 19 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 5 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 13 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 2 | — | — | Jun 11 – Aug 6 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 19 | — | May 21 | — | Jul 30 – Sep 10 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 15 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 19 | — | Apr 23 | — | Jun 18 – Aug 27 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 9 – Aug 20 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 19 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 2 – Sep 24 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 2 – Oct 8 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 19 | — | Apr 30 | — | Jun 25 – Aug 20 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Sep 3 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 5 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 15 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 26 | May 14 | May 14 | — | Jul 2 – Oct 1 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 19 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 29 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 26 | — | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 26 | — | May 14 | — | Sep 10 – Nov 12 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | — | Jul 9 – Sep 10 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 9 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 30 – Oct 8 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 12 | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | — | Jun 11 – Aug 20 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 19 | Mar 26 | Apr 30 | — | Jul 16 – Sep 17 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 12 | — | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 26 | Apr 30 | May 14 | — | Jul 23 – Oct 29 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 2 | May 7 | May 7 | — | Jul 16 – Oct 8 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Clay County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Clay County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Clay County, SD?
Clay County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Clay County, SD?
Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Clay County falls around April 30. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.
When is the first fall frost in Clay County, SD?
The median first fall frost in Clay County arrives around October 7. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log