Cloquet, MN planting zone & frost dates
Cloquet is in USDA hardiness zone 4a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 26 and the first fall frost around September 23, for a growing season of about 118 days.
Planting calendar for Cloquet
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 26) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: Jun 9 – Jun 16 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: Jun 9 – Jun 16 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 14 – Apr 28 Transplant outdoors: Jun 2 – Jun 9 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Jul 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 23).
Useful for zone 4a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | May 13 | May 26 | Jun 9 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 4 | Sep 23 | Sep 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 9, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 12.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Cloquet
- 55720 zone 4a
Nearby cities
- Duluth zone 4b, last frost May 14
- Hibbing zone 3b, last frost Jun 5
- Grand Rapids zone 4a, last frost May 17
- North Branch zone 4b, last frost May 19
- Forest Lake zone 4b, last frost May 3
- East Bethel zone 4b, last frost May 1
- Hugo zone 4b, last frost Apr 23
- Ham Lake zone 4b, last frost May 5
Questions
What growing zone is Cloquet, MN?
Cloquet is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4a (average extreme winter low -30°F to -25°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Cloquet?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Cloquet is May 26. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 9.
When can I plant tomatoes in Cloquet?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jun 2 – Jun 9. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Cloquet, MN (USC00211630), 5.2 km (3.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 386 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.