State growing guide
Minnesota Planting Guide
USDA Zone 4a/4b · Last frost May 15 · First frost Oct 1 · 139 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Minnesota.
Frost Dates by City — Minnesota
Average frost dates for major Minnesota cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 4b | May 15 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
| St. Paul | 4b | May 15 | Oct 1 | ~2 wks after (May 15) |
| Duluth | 4a | May 25 | Sep 20 | ~2 wks after (May 25) |
| Rochester | 4b | May 12 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 12) |
| Bemidji | 3b | May 30 | Sep 10 | ~2 wks after (May 30) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Minnesota Gardeners
- Minneapolis last frost is May 15 — don't transplant tender crops before then
- Choose short-season tomato varieties: Early Girl (54 days), Glacier, Sub-Arctic
- Start seeds indoors early (mid-March) to maximize the short season
- Cold frames and row covers are essential tools in Minnesota
- Hoop tunnels extend the season by 4–6 weeks on both ends
Common Challenges in Minnesota
- ⚠ Very short growing season (120–145 days)
- ⚠ Late spring frosts regularly hit into late May in north Minnesota
- ⚠ Winters are brutal — spring soil takes time to warm and dry out
Best Crops for Minnesota
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Minnesota
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Minnesota Gardening
What zone is Minnesota?
Minnesota ranges from Zone 3a (far north, Canadian border) to Zone 5a (southeastern corner). Minneapolis/St. Paul is Zone 4b, Duluth is Zone 4a, and Bemidji is Zone 3b.
When to plant tomatoes in Minnesota?
Start seeds indoors in late March. Transplant outside after May 25 in the Twin Cities area. In northern Minnesota (Duluth, Bemidji), wait until Memorial Day weekend or later.
Can I grow peppers in Minnesota?
Yes, but it's challenging. Start peppers indoors in mid-February (10 weeks before last frost). Choose fast-maturing varieties. Use black plastic mulch on the soil to gain extra heat units.