Junction City, KS planting zone & frost dates
Junction City is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 12 and the first fall frost around October 26, for a growing season of about 193 days.
Planting calendar for Junction City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 12) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 15 – Mar 1 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 1 – Feb 15 Transplant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 1 – Mar 15 Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 31 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 26).
Useful for zone 6b gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Mar 29 | Apr 12 | Apr 29 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 7 | Oct 26 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after April 29, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 2.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Junction City
- 66441 zone 6b
Nearby cities
Questions
What growing zone is Junction City, KS?
Junction City is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Junction City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Junction City is April 12. There is still a 10% chance of frost until April 29.
When can I plant tomatoes in Junction City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 19 – Apr 26. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Milford Lake, KS (USC00145306), 7.7 km (4.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 370 m, based on 23 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.