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Hand County, SD — Planting Guide

Hand County is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 795 ft, Hand County receives approximately 34.4 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 82°F with winter lows around 8°F. The predominant soil type is Loam.

🌡️ Zone

4b (-25°F to -20°F min)

❄️ Last Frost

May 10

🍂 First Frost

October 2

📅 Growing Season

145 days

⛰️ Elevation

795 ft

🌧️ Annual Rainfall

34.4 in

Hand County, SD Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Hand County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Zone 4b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: May 10 First Frost: Oct 2

Soil & Growing Conditions in Hand County

Soil Type

Loam

Ideal for most crops — holds moisture and nutrients while draining well.

Watering Needs

Moderate rainfall (34.4 in.) — plan to water 1–2 times per week during the growing season.

Season Tips

145-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.

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Recommended for Your Garden

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Digital pH Meter $10-20

Get instant, accurate soil pH readings to fine-tune your amendments.

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Organic Compost $8-30

Boost soil fertility and structure with rich, well-aged organic compost.

🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Hand County

95 vegetables that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Hand County.

Show all 95 vegetables with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 23 – Sep 27 80–100
Amaranth Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 30 – Oct 18 90–120
Arugula Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 30–50
Asparagus May 24 730–1095
Beets May 3 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Jul 26 50–70
Belgian Endive Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 30 – Oct 4 110–150
Black Beans May 24 Aug 23 – Oct 11 90–120
Bok Choy Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 26 40–60
Broccoli Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 26 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 9 – Oct 4 90–130
Butternut Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 30 – Oct 4 85–110
Cabbage Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 12 – Sep 6 60–100
Carrots May 3 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 9 60–80
Cauliflower Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Sep 6 55–100
Celeriac Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 23 – Sep 27 100–120
Celery Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 2 – Sep 27 80–120
Celtuce Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–90
Chard Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 23 50–60
Chickpeas Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 2 – Sep 13 80–110
Chicory Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 12 – Aug 23 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 2 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 23 – Sep 27 80–100
Collard Greens Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Sep 6 55–75
Corn May 24 Jul 26 – Sep 20 60–100
Cress Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 May 24 – Jun 14 14–21
Crookneck Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 19 – Aug 16 45–60
Crosne May 3 Jul 10 Oct 4 – Sep 27 150–200
Cucumber Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 20 50–70
Daikon May 3 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Jul 26 50–70
Delicata Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 23 – Sep 27 80–100
Edamame May 24 Aug 9 – Sep 20 75–100
Endive Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Aug 2 45–65
Escarole Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 2 50–70
Fava Beans Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 26 – Sep 6 75–100
Fennel Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 2 – Sep 13 60–90
Garlic Aug 21 Nov 20 – Jan 15 90–240
Green Beans May 24 Jul 19 – Sep 13 50–65
Horseradish May 24 Sep 27 – Oct 18 120–180
Hubbard Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Sep 13 – Oct 18 100–120
Kabocha Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 30 – Sep 27 85–100
Kai Lan Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Jul 26 45–60
Kale Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 50–70
Kidney Beans May 24 Aug 23 – Sep 27 85–110
Kohlrabi Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Aug 2 45–65
Komatsuna Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Jul 19 35–50
Leeks Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 9 – Oct 4 90–150
Lentils Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 2 – Sep 13 80–110
Lettuce Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 23 30–60
Lima Beans May 24 Jul 26 – Sep 6 60–90
Mache Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 26 40–60
Melon Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 9 – Sep 27 70–100
Microgreens Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 May 17 – Jun 14 7–21
Mitsuba Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Aug 23 50–70
Mizuna Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Jul 12 30–45
Mustard Greens Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 30–50
Napa Cabbage Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 9 55–75
Onion Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 9 – Sep 27 90–120
Pac Choi Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 19 40–55
Parsnip May 3 Jul 10 Aug 16 – Sep 27 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 19 – Aug 16 45–60
Peas Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 55–70
Peppers Feb 22 May 24 May 31 Aug 2 – Oct 11 60–90
Pole Beans Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 20 55–70
Potatoes Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 9 – Oct 18 70–120
Pumpkin Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 30 – Oct 18 85–120
Purslane Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 26 40–60
Radicchio Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 12 – Aug 16 60–80
Radish May 3 Jul 10 May 31 – Jun 21 22–35
Rhubarb Jun 7 365–730
Romanesco Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 26 – Sep 6 75–100
Rutabaga May 3 Jul 10 Jul 26 – Aug 30 80–100
Salsify May 3 Jul 10 Aug 16 – Sep 27 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 19 – Sep 13 70–110
Scallions Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 2 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 2 – Sep 6 60–80
Shallot Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Aug 9 – Sep 27 90–120
Shiso Mar 15 May 17 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 20 50–70
Snap Peas Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 20 55–70
Snow Peas Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Aug 30 50–65
Soybeans May 24 Aug 16 – Oct 11 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 30 – Sep 27 85–100
Spinach Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 35–50
Squash (Summer) Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 19 – Sep 20 45–65
Squash (Winter) Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 23 – Oct 18 80–120
Sunchoke May 24 Sep 13 – Oct 18 110–150
Sweet Corn May 24 Jul 26 – Sep 6 60–90
Tatsoi Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Jul 19 35–50
Tomatillo Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 2 – Oct 11 60–85
Tomatoes Mar 8 May 24 May 31 Aug 2 – Oct 11 60–85
Turnip May 3 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Jul 19 40–60
Watercress Mar 29 May 3 May 10 Jul 10 Jun 21 – Jul 26 40–60
Watermelon Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Aug 9 – Sep 27 70–100
Wax Beans May 24 Jul 19 – Sep 13 50–65
Zucchini Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 19 – Sep 13 45–60

🍓 Fruits to Grow in Hand County

22 fruits that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Hand County.

Show all 22 fruits with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries Jun 7 Sep 6 – Nov 1 90–180
Aronia Jun 7 730–1095
Blueberries Jun 7 730–1095
Cantaloupe Jun 7 Aug 16 – Sep 20 70–90
Cranberries Jun 7 730–1095
Currants Jun 7 730–1095
Elderberries Jun 7 730–1095
Goji Berries Jun 7 730–1095
Gooseberries Jun 7 730–1095
Grapes Jun 7 730–1095
Ground Cherry Jun 7 Aug 16 – Oct 11 65–80
Hardy Kiwi Jun 7 1095–1825
Haskaps Jun 7 730–1095
Honeydew Jun 7 Aug 30 – Oct 11 80–110
Jostaberry Jun 7 730–1095
Lingonberries Jun 7 730–1095
Medlar Jun 7 1095–1825
Mulberries Jun 7 730–1825
Persimmon Jun 7 1095–2555
Raspberries Jun 7 365–730
Serviceberries Jun 7 730–1095
Strawberries Jun 7 Sep 6 – Nov 1 90–365

🌿 Herbs to Grow in Hand County

30 herbs that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Hand County.

Show all 30 herbs with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 365–730
Anise Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Aug 2 – Sep 27 90–120
Basil Mar 15 May 17 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 27 50–75
Bee Balm May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 11 90–120
Borage Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 28 – Aug 16 50–60
Caraway Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 365–450
Catnip May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 20 60–80
Chamomile Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Sep 13 60–90
Chervil Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 40–60
Chives May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Cilantro Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 40–60
Comfrey May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Dill Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 40–60
Fennel (herb) Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Sep 13 60–90
Garlic Chives May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Horehound May 17 Aug 2 – Sep 27 75–90
Hyssop May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 27 70–90
Lemon Balm May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 6 60–70
Lovage May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 27 70–90
Mint May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Oregano May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Parsley Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jul 5 – Sep 6 60–80
Rue May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 27 70–90
Sage May 17 Aug 2 – Sep 27 75–90
Savory May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 6 50–70
Sorrel Mar 29 May 3 May 3 Jul 10 Jun 14 – Aug 16 40–60
Tarragon May 17 Jul 19 – Sep 27 60–90
Thai Basil Mar 15 May 17 May 31 Jul 26 – Sep 27 50–75
Thyme May 17 Jul 26 – Sep 27 70–90
Valerian May 17 Sep 20 – Oct 11 120–180

🌸 Flowers to Grow in Hand County

49 flowers that grow well in Zone 4b with planting dates for Hand County.

Show all 49 flowers with planting dates
Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Fall Plant Bloom Days to Maturity
Ageratum Mar 22 May 17 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 27 60–75
Alliums Aug 21 Sep 25 – Oct 23 28–42
Astilbe Mar 1 May 24 Aug 16 – Oct 11 70–100
Bachelor's Button Mar 22 Apr 26 May 10 Jul 12 – Sep 13 60–90
Begonias Feb 22 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 4 70–90
Black-eyed Susan Mar 1 May 10 May 24 Aug 16 – Nov 1 60–80
Bleeding Hearts Mar 1 May 24 Jul 19 – Aug 30 60–90
Calendula Mar 22 Apr 26 May 10 Jun 28 – Sep 13 50–70
Celosia Apr 5 May 24 May 24 Jul 26 – Oct 11 60–90
Columbine Mar 1 May 24 May 24 Jul 19 – Sep 6 70–100
Coreopsis Mar 1 May 17 May 24 Aug 9 – Nov 1 60–80
Cosmos Apr 12 May 17 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 18 60–90
Crocus Aug 21 Jun 26 – Jul 24 10–20
Daffodils Aug 21 Jul 3 – Jul 31 20–40
Dahlias Apr 12 May 24 May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 1 70–120
Daylily Mar 1 May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 1 60–90
Dianthus Mar 8 Apr 19 May 3 Jun 21 – Aug 30 60–80
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Mar 1 May 24 May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 1 70–90
Foxglove Mar 1 May 24 May 24 Jul 19 – Aug 30 80–120
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Mar 15 May 24 May 24 Aug 2 – Nov 8 70–100
Geraniums Feb 22 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 4 70–100
Gladiolus May 17 May 17 Aug 16 – Oct 25 70–100
Hostas Feb 22 May 24 Aug 23 – Nov 1 60–90
Hyacinths Aug 21 Jul 24 – Aug 14 14–28
Hydrangeas Feb 22 May 24 Aug 16 – Oct 18 90–150
Impatiens Mar 8 May 24 Aug 9 – Oct 11 60–75
Irises Division May 24 Jul 19 – Aug 23 60–100
Larkspur Apr 12 Jun 21 – Aug 9 60–90
Lilies Division May 24 Aug 16 – Oct 18 70–120
Lobelia Mar 1 May 10 Jul 5 – Sep 6 70–80
Lupine Mar 1 May 24 May 24 Jul 19 – Aug 30 75–100
Marigolds Mar 29 May 17 May 17 Jul 12 – Sep 27 50–70
Nasturtium Apr 12 May 17 May 17 Jul 12 – Oct 4 55–65
Pansy Feb 22 May 10 Jul 5 – Aug 23 70–90
Peonies Division May 24 Aug 2 – Sep 6 90–120
Petunia Mar 8 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 11 70–90
Phlox Mar 1 May 24 May 24 Aug 16 – Oct 25 80–110
Portulaca Apr 5 May 24 May 24 Jul 12 – Sep 27 50–70
Roses Feb 22 May 24 Aug 16 – Nov 1 90–180
Salvia Mar 8 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 4 70–90
Sedum (Stonecrop) Mar 1 May 24 Sep 27 – Nov 22 60–90
Snapdragon Mar 1 May 10 Jul 19 – Sep 13 70–100
Sunflower Apr 19 May 17 May 17 Aug 9 – Oct 11 70–100
Sweet Alyssum Mar 22 May 3 May 10 Jun 21 – Aug 23 45–60
Sweet Pea Mar 29 Apr 5 May 10 Aug 2 – Sep 20 65–85
Tulips Aug 21 Jul 17 – Aug 7 15–30
Vinca (Annual) Feb 22 May 24 Aug 2 – Oct 11 70–90
Yarrow Mar 1 May 10 May 24 Aug 9 – Nov 1 60–90
Zinnia Apr 12 May 17 May 17 Jul 26 – Oct 11 60–70

Monthly Planting Guide for Hand County

Gardening Guides & Resources

Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Hand County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zone is Hand County, SD?

Hand County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. 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 Hand County, SD?

Based on 30 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Hand County falls around May 10. Plan transplants and direct-sow dates relative to this date.

When is the first fall frost in Hand County, SD?

The median first fall frost in Hand County arrives around October 2. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.

🌱

Your Hand County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hand County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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Composting Guide for Homesteaders

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates represent 50% probability averages; local conditions vary by elevation and microclimate. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.