Last spring frost
Apr 7
Frost Dates for Ashland, MO
First fall frost
Oct 29
Growing season
205 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Ashland, MO, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 7 and the first fall frost is about Oct 29, giving roughly a 205-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 23 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 2 | Apr 19 | Apr 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 7 | Mar 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 28 | Mar 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 3 | Mar 17 | Feb 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 32°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 |
| 24°F | Apr 3 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 |
| 20°F | Mar 25 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 |
| 16°F | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 20 | Feb 14 | Feb 5 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 19 | Oct 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 29 | Nov 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Dec 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 21 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 |
| 32°F | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 28°F | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 |
| 16°F | Nov 19 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Columbia Rgnl Ap, Mo, about 2.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 893 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ashland, MO?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ashland, MO is about Apr 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ashland, MO typically arrives about Oct 29. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Apr 7 on average, or Mar 23 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 205 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 65010 Planting calendar → Missouri frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026