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

Planting zone for 57780 — Scenic, SD

ZIP code 57780 (Scenic, Pennington County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost October 1.

Where ZIP 57780 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 10

First frostOct 1

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 Scenic, 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 Scenic, SD

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 10median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 25only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 1median — 10% chance by Sep 14

Growing season141 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 30 and returns around October 9.

From the NOAA station Wasta, SD — 21 miles away, elevation 2,330 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 57780

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 29 – Apr 19

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 19 – May 3

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 19 – May 3

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

TomatoesTransplant · May 17 – May 31

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 24 – Jun 7

BeansSow outdoors · May 17 – May 31

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 17 – May 31

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 17 – May 31

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 6 – Aug 20

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 17 – Oct 22

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 10) and first fall frost (Oct 1) 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 57780 came on Mar 13 — 21 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 3).

average
Apr 32026
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 Scenic, SD.

Soil in Scenic, SD

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 57780 is Orella — clay, well drained.

TextureClayholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.1%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Badland.

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 57780; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Scenic, SD

Summer high89 °Faverage high, July

Winter low9 °Faverage low, January

Hot days43days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights175nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,854base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 27 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 55 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation20 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: Wasta, SD (21 mi away); precipitation: Wasta 21.6 Ssw, SD (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

1 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

577255a

Caputa, SD · 19 mi

577725a

Porcupine, SD · 20 mi

South Dakota planting zones →

Questions about 57780

What planting zone is ZIP code 57780?

ZIP code 57780 (Scenic, 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 Scenic, SD?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 57780 is May 10; after May 25 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Wasta station.

When is the first frost in Scenic, SD?

The median first fall frost near 57780 is October 1, giving a median frost-free growing season of 141 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 57780?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 15 – Mar 29 and set transplants outside around May 17 – May 31, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 57780 get?

About 20 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Wasta 21.6 Ssw station).

How hot do summers get in Scenic, SD?

The average high peaks at 89 °F in July, with about 43 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 57780 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Orella at the center of ZIP 57780: clay, well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Scenic, SD in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 57780 came on Mar 13 in 2026, 21 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 3), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Scenic, SD?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 57780 is 15 h 27 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 57780 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 57780 in zone 4b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.