State growing guide
Kansas Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6a · Last frost Apr 18 · First frost Oct 22 · 187 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Kansas.
Frost Dates by City — Kansas
Average frost dates for major Kansas cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Kansas City | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Topeka | 6a | Apr 15 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 15) |
| Dodge City | 6b | Apr 5 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 5) |
| Salina | 5b | Apr 25 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 25) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Kansas Gardeners
- Wichita gardeners transplant tomatoes late April to early May
- Kansas has excellent summer heat for watermelon and sweet corn
- Western Kansas (drier) needs drip irrigation — eastern Kansas gets more rain
- Fall gardening is excellent — plant brassicas in August
Common Challenges in Kansas
- ⚠ Great Plains wind desiccates plants and soil — windbreaks help
- ⚠ Hail storms are frequent May–June and can destroy an entire garden
- ⚠ Drought stress in July–August requires consistent watering
Best Crops for Kansas
Tomatoes Peppers Sweet Corn Watermelon Sunflowers Squash Beans Cucumbers Sorghum
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Kansas
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kansas Gardening
What zone is Kansas?
Kansas spans Zones 5b (northwest) to 6b (south and west). Wichita and Topeka are Zone 6a, Kansas City is Zone 6a, and Dodge City is Zone 6b.