Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 57716 — Batesland, SD

ZIP code 57716 (Batesland, Bennett County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost October 2.

Where ZIP 57716 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostMay 11

First frostOct 2

2012 zone4b

Was 4b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Batesland, SD…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Batesland, SD

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 26only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 2median — 10% chance by Sep 19

Growing season142 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 2 and returns around October 11.

From the NOAA station Gordon 6n, NE — 14 miles away, elevation 3,747 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 57716

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 20

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 20 – May 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

TomatoesTransplant · May 18 – Jun 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 25 – Jun 8

BeansSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 7 – Aug 21

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 18 – Oct 23

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 11) and first fall frost (Oct 2) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 57716 came on Mar 13 — 22 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4).

average
Apr 42026
Mar 13

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5a in South Dakota

452 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in South Dakota, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Batesland, SD.

Soil in Batesland, SD

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 57716 is Keith — silt loam, well drained.

TextureSilt loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.0neutral; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classPrime farmland if irrigatedUSDA classification

Map unit: Keith silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 57716; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Batesland, SD

Summer high86 °Faverage high, July

Winter low13 °Faverage low, January

Hot days31days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights175nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,479base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 22 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 59 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation19.8 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Gordon 6n, NE (14 mi away); precipitation: Gordon 12.6 Nw, NE (12 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 5a.

577945a

Wounded Knee, SD · 11 mi

693655a

Whiteclay, NE · 17 mi

577565a

Manderson, SD · 17 mi

577145a

Allen, SD · 22 mi

577705a

Pine Ridge, SD · 23 mi

Rushville, NE · 28 mi

South Dakota planting zones →

Questions about 57716

What planting zone is ZIP code 57716?

ZIP code 57716 (Batesland, SD) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Batesland, SD?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 57716 is May 11; after May 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gordon 6n station.

When is the first frost in Batesland, SD?

The median first fall frost near 57716 is October 2, giving a median frost-free growing season of 142 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 57716?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 16 – Mar 30 and set transplants outside around May 18 – Jun 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 57716 get?

About 19.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Gordon 12.6 Nw station).

How hot do summers get in Batesland, SD?

The average high peaks at 86 °F in July, with about 31 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 57716 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Keith at the center of ZIP 57716: silt loam, well drained, pH about 7.0 (neutral).

Did spring come early in Batesland, SD in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 57716 came on Mar 13 in 2026, 22 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 4), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Batesland, SD?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 57716 is 15 h 22 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 57716 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 57716 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.