Frost Dates for Fort Scott, KS 66701
Last spring frost April 8 · First fall frost October 24 · 199 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 66701 has about 11,500 people.
Long season: 199 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans March 26–April 21 (26 days). Fall frost risk spans October 10–November 8 (29 days).
Frost probability for 66701
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | April 21 | April 8 | March 26 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 10 | October 24 | November 8 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at FT SCOTT (5.5 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 199-day season in Fort Scott
In Fort Scott (199 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Mar 4 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 157 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 22. | Jun 24 |
| Pepper | Feb 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 157 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 22. | Jun 29 |
| Lettuce | Feb 11 | Mar 11–Mar 18 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 18–Mar 25 | 241 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 241 available after Mar 18. | Aug 22 |
| Cucumber | Mar 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Beans | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 4; both mature before Oct 17. | Aug 4 |
| Peas | — | Feb 11–Apr 22 | 262 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 262 available after Feb 11. | Aug 13 |
| Zucchini | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Onion | Jan 14 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 234 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 11. | — |
| Spinach | — | Feb 11–Apr 1 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Kale | Jan 28 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Broccoli | Feb 11 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 234 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 234 available after Mar 11. | Jul 29 |
| Cabbage | Feb 11 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 11. | Aug 22 |
| Radish | — | Feb 11–May 6 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Sep 22; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 22 |
| Beets | — | Feb 11–May 6 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 25–Apr 1 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Mar 25. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 24 | 304 | overwinter: Plant Oct 24 to Nov 14; harvest the following summer. | Nov 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Mar 4–Apr 29 | 255 | perennial: A perennial: plant Mar 4; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Mar 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 171 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 171 available after Apr 15. | Jul 6 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 22 | 164 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 22. | Jun 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 25 | Apr 1–Apr 15 | 213 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 1. | Aug 3 |
| Swiss Chard | Feb 11 | Mar 25–Mar 25 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Arugula | — | Feb 11–May 6 | 276 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Sep 21; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 21 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Feb 11 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 248 available after Mar 11. | Jul 23 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 164 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 22. | Jun 11 |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 157 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 22. | Jul 4 |
| Okra | Mar 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 178 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 15 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Basil | Mar 4 | Apr 29–Apr 29 | 164 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 29 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Cilantro | — | Mar 11–Apr 1 | 234 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Parsley | Jan 28 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 199 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 15. | Aug 8 |
| Celery | Jan 28 | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 199 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 15. | Jun 19 |
| Scallions | Jan 28 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 11; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 11 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 25–Mar 11 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 25 and again by Sep 6; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 6 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | 213 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 1 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31. | Sep 2 |
| Collards | Jan 28 | Mar 11–Mar 25 | 248 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Nov 14. | Sep 1 |
| Cantaloupe | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 157 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 22. | Jun 19 |
| Chives | Jan 14 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Dill | — | Feb 11–May 6 | 262 | two-plantings: Plant Feb 11 and again by Aug 23; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 23 |
| Oregano | Jan 28 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 213 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Rosemary | Jan 14 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 199 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 199 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Sage | Feb 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 213 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Thyme | Jan 28 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 213 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 213 available after Apr 15. | — |
| Calendula | Feb 25 | Mar 25–Apr 8 | 220 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 25 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Oct 31. | Aug 28 |
| Cosmos | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
| Lavender | Jan 14 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 8. | — |
| Marigolds | Feb 25 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Melons | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 157 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 157 available after Apr 22. | Jun 19 |
| Mint | — | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 220 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 220 available after Apr 8. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Pole Beans | — | Apr 15–Apr 29 | 178 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 178 available after Apr 15. | Jul 23 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 164 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 22. | Jun 21 |
| Sunflowers | — | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 185 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 185 available after Apr 8. | Jul 18 |
| Tomatillos | Feb 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 164 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 15. | Jun 29 |
| Watermelon | Mar 25 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | 164 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 164 available after Apr 15. | Jun 24 |
| Yellow Squash | Mar 25 | Apr 22–Apr 29 | 171 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 22 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Zinnias | Mar 11 | Apr 8–Apr 22 | 185 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 8 and again by Jul 28; both mature before Oct 10. | Jul 28 |
Month by month in Fort Scott
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start indoors: Chives (Jan 14), Lavender (Jan 14), Onion (Jan 14), Rosemary (Jan 14), Celery (Jan 28), Collards (Jan 28), +5 more. |
| February | Start indoors: Broccoli (Feb 11), Brussel Sprouts (Feb 11), Cabbage (Feb 11), Lettuce (Feb 11), Sage (Feb 11), Swiss Chard (Feb 11), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Feb 11), Beets (Feb 11), Dill (Feb 11), Peas (Feb 11), Radish (Feb 11), Spinach (Feb 11), +1 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Basil (Mar 4), Tomato (Mar 4), Bok Choy (Mar 11), Corn (Mar 11), Cosmos (Mar 11), Nasturtiums (Mar 11), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Mar 11), Turnip (Mar 11), Carrots (Mar 18), Potatoes (Mar 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Mar 11), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 11), Cabbage (Mar 11), Collards (Mar 11), Kale (Mar 11), Lettuce (Mar 11), +4 more. Plant: Strawberry (Mar 4). |
| April | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Apr 8), Beans (Apr 15), Pole Beans (Apr 15). Transplant from: Bok Choy (Apr 1), Cauliflower (Apr 1), Cosmos (Apr 8), Lavender (Apr 8), Marigolds (Apr 8), Mint (Apr 8), +25 more. Last frost around April 8. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 11), Pumpkin (Jun 11), Cantaloupe (Jun 19), Celery (Jun 19), Melons (Jun 19), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 21), +4 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Eggplant (Jul 4), Corn (Jul 6), Sunflowers (Jul 18), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 23), Pole Beans (Jul 23), Basil (Jul 28), +4 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Nasturtiums (Aug 2), Okra (Aug 2), Yellow Squash (Aug 2), Zucchini (Aug 2), Cauliflower (Aug 3), Beans (Aug 4), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Collards (Sep 1), Scallions (Sep 1), Bok Choy (Sep 2), Lettuce (Sep 2), Kale (Sep 6), Kohlrabi (Sep 6), +4 more. |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 24). First frost around October 24. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 14). |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Fort Scott, KS (ZIP 66701)?
The median last spring frost date for Fort Scott, KS (ZIP code 66701) is around April 8. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before March 26; one in ten it runs past April 21.
What is the first fall frost date in Fort Scott, KS?
The median first fall frost date for Fort Scott, KS is around October 24. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around October 10 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Fort Scott, KS?
The frost-free growing season in Fort Scott is about 199 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Fort Scott (199 frost-free days, a long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Fort Scott, KS?
Fort Scott, KS is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Fort Scott, KS?
Start tomatoes indoors Mar 4 and plant out Apr 22 in Fort Scott. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Fort Scott?
Two: plant Mar 11 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Oct 31.
When do I plant garlic in Fort Scott?
Oct 24 to Nov 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I get two tomato crops in Fort Scott?
Yes: plant out Apr 22 for a summer crop, and set out a second round of transplants by Jun 24 for a fall crop.
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